Palna Scheme

Palna Scheme: Government introduces Palna Scheme under Mission Shakti to provide day-care crèche facilities for children of working mothers, aiming to formalise child care and support SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth.

• About Palna Scheme (Centrally Sponsored Scheme): In 2022, the erstwhile National Creche Scheme was reorganized and renamed as Palna Scheme under the sub-scheme ‘Samarthya’ of ‘Mission Shakti’.
• Funding ratio: General States (60:40) → NE & Special Category States (90:10) UTs with Legislature (60:40) → UTs without Legislature (Centre 100%)
• Objectives of Palna Scheme: Provide quality crèche facility in safe and secure environment for children (6 months – 6 years) → Applicable to all mothers, irrespective of employment status → Monitor compliance with Section 11A of the Maternity Benefit Act regarding crèche facilities by establishments →  States/UTs to explore portal-based registration in convergence with Labour & Employment Departments.
• Convergence with Mission Poshan 2.0
• Anganwadi cum Crèche (AWCC): Two types - Standalone Crèches and Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (AWCCs)
• Functions of Crèche Workers (Under Anganwadi Supervision): Provide sleep/rest arrangements for children → Ensure personal hygiene, clean washrooms, and assist in toilet training → Facilitate health check-ups with ASHA/PHC/AWWs → Ensure hygienic and age-appropriate food at proper intervals →  Follow safety procedures for child handover and quality of toys/materials