Context:

• The Palna Scheme, a national crèche scheme under Mission Shakti, is meant to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children (aged 6 months to 6 years) of working mothers. It is a part of the “Samarthya” sub-component of Mission Shakti.

Key Points:

Palna Scheme – An Introduction:

• The erstwhile National Crèche Scheme was restructured in 2022 and brought under the “Samarthya” sub-scheme of Mission Shakti as the Palna Scheme.
• This scheme operates with the participation of both Central and State/UT governments to ensure better monitoring and effective implementation.

Financial Partnership:

Objectives of the Palna Scheme:

• Quality Crèche Facilities: To provide children (aged 6 months to 6 years) with a safe and protected environment for proper care.
• Nutritional & Health Support: To ensure nutrition, immunization, health services, and growth monitoring.
• Available for All Mothers: Crèche services are available to all mothers, regardless of employment status.
• Compliance with Maternity Benefit Act: To monitor the compliance of Section 11A of the Maternity Benefit Act regarding establishment of crèches in workplaces.
• Digital Monitoring System: States/UTs will coordinate with Labour & Employment Departments to develop an app/portal enabling establishments to register and report crèche-related data online.

Integrated Service Package under Palna:

• The Palna component of Mission Shakti is designed to deliver a comprehensive package of services to children aged 6 months to 6 years, in alignment with Mission Poshan 2.0.

Key Services Include:

• Day-care with sleeping arrangements
• Early stimulation activities for children under 3 years
• Pre-school education for children aged 3–6 years
• Supplementary nutrition from local sources
• Growth monitoring, health check-ups, and immunization support
• As part of increasing access to childcare, the Ministry of Labour & Employment has amended the Maternity Benefit Act, mandating establishments with 50+ employees to provide crèche facilities.

Anganwadi-cum-Crèche (AWCC) under Palna:

Types of Crèches:

• Standalone Crèches
• Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (AWCC)

Human Resource Provisioning:

Type Crèche Worker Crèche Helper

Standalone Crèche 1 1

• Anganwadi-cum-Crèche 1 (in addition to existing AWW & Helper) 1 (in addition to existing AWW & Helper)
• Role of Anganwadi Centres:
• Anganwadi centres are among the largest childcare institutions in the world.
• They ensure accessible and last-mile care and support for children.

Supporting Women Workforce Participation:

• The initiative aims to boost female workforce participation and empower women economically.

Targets and Progress (2024–25):

• Target to set up 17,000 new AWCCs
• As of March 2025, 11,395 AWCCs approved in 34 States/UTs

Crèche Worker’s Responsibilities:

• Ensure adequate sleeping/rest arrangements
• Maintain personal hygiene of children and assist with toilet training
• Promote proper sanitation and regular health check-ups via PHC/ASHA/AWW
• Ensure hygienic food preparation, storage, and age-appropriate feeding
• Follow safety protocols related to handover of children, toys, and materials

Integration & Monitoring:

• The AWCC initiative will be implemented with inter-ministerial convergence, particularly with Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and nutrition schemes.
• Complies with labour laws and the Maternity Benefit Act.
• As of February 2025:
• 1,761 AWCCs functional with 28,783 beneficiaries
• 1,284 standalone crèches functional with 23,368 beneficiaries

Mission Shakti: General Information

• Launched for the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021–22 to 2025–26
• It is an umbrella scheme for the protection, safety, and empowerment of women

Major Components of Mission Shakti:

1. Sambal (Protection & Security):

• One-Stop Centres (OSCs): Provide integrated support (medical, legal, counseling) to women facing violence
• Women Helpline (181): 24×7 emergency and non-emergency support
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Promote girl child birth and education
• PM Matru Vandana Yojana: Financial aid to pregnant and lactating mothers
• Mahila Police Volunteers (MPVs): Connect community and police for women’s safety
• Shakti Sadan: Shelter and support for women in distress

2. Samarthya (Empowerment):

• Ujjwala: Prevent and rehabilitate victims of trafficking
• Swadhar Greh: Shelter and socio-economic support to women in difficult situations
• Working Women Hostel: Safe and affordable accommodation for working women
• National Crèche Scheme: Quality daycare for working mothers' children
• Gender Budgeting: Mainstreaming gender in government budgeting
• Schemes for Economic Empowerment: Provide skill development, training, and financial assistance to women