Palna Scheme

Current Context: The central government has approved over 11,000 Anganwadi-cum-crèches under the Palna scheme, only 1,761 have become operational nationwide.

• The Palna Scheme, launched in 2022, provides quality crèche (day-care) facilities to support working mothers, under Mission Shakti.

Background & Structure

• Sub-scheme: Samarthya (of Mission Shakti)
• Ministry:Implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD).
• Replaces the National Crèche Scheme
• Aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

Funding Pattern

• General States: 60:40 (Centre:State)
• North-Eastern/Special Category States: 90:10
• Union Territories without legislature: 100% Centre-funded

Key Objectives

• Provide crèche services for children aged 6 months to 6 years
• Ensure health, nutrition, cognitive development
• Comply with Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 provisions for workplace crèches
• Support women’s workforce participation
• Integrated Services:Day-care, early learning & stimulation,Pre-school education Health monitoring&Supplementary nutrition via Mission Poshan 0

Types of Crèches

• Standalone Crèches: Independent facilities
• Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (AWCCs): Combine Anganwadi and crèche roles

Current Status (as of March 2025)

• 11,395 AWCCs approved
• Target: Establish 17,000 new AWCCs by 2024-25