Context: Women and Child Development Minister inaugurated National Programme on Anganwadi-cum-Crèches in New Delhi.

Anganwadi-cum-Crèches

• About: This initiative under the Palna Scheme underwent revisions and was included as part of the Samarthya sub-component of Mission Shakti, starting from April 2022. 
• Nodal Ministry: Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs
• Aim: To facilitate their entry into the workforce, there is a need for quality childcare services.
• Objective: to provide quality Crèche facilities in a safe and secure environment for children aged between 6 months to 6 years, nutritional support, health and cognitive development of children, growth monitoring, immunization, education etc.

Palna Scheme

• About: It is a sub-scheme under Mission Shakti, under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• Implemented for: All States and UTs from 1st April 2022 to provide daycare facilities and protection to children.
• Funding Pattern: A funding ratio of 60:40 between Centre Government and States
• Objective:

oQuality crèche care facility by providing a safe and secure environment for children  

oTo support nutritional, health and cognitive development of children

o Enable mothers to take up gainful employment