The Palna Scheme under the Samarthya vertical of Mission Shakti aims to support working mothers by providing practical and inclusive childcare solutions. Launched on April 1, 2022, this initiative bridges the childcare gap by offering day-care and crèche facilities for children aged 6 months to 6 years across all States and Union Territories.
Background
With the increase in female workforce participation in India, the Palna Scheme addresses the need for quality childcare services. As joint family systems disintegrate, especially in urban areas, working mothers face challenges in balancing work and childcare responsibilities. The Ministry of Women and Child Development introduced the Palna Scheme to respond to this issue.
Objectives
- Providing safe day-long care for children aged 6 months to 6 years
- Supporting working mothers by relieving their childcare responsibilities during work hours
- Promoting early childhood care, including nutrition, immunization, cognitive development, and health checks
- Encouraging gender equality and women’s economic empowerment by reducing unpaid care work
Key Features
- Integrated Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (AWCCs): Utilizes the existing Anganwadi ecosystem for effective childcare service delivery
- Universal Access: Open to all mothers, ensuring inclusive access
- Holistic Childcare: Includes nutrition, health monitoring, and cognitive stimulation
- Alignment with SDGs: Supports Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
Progress So Far
- Target: 17,000 AWCCs planned across the country
- Current Status: 14,599 centres approved based on state and UT proposals
- Funding Mechanism: States and UTs co-fund the implementation
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- The Palna Scheme in India aims to support working mothers by providing childcare facilities for children aged 6 months to 6 years.
- It integrates with existing Anganwadi centres to ensure effective childcare service delivery.
- The scheme promotes early childhood care, gender equality, and women’s economic empowerment by reducing unpaid care work.
- With 14,599 centres approved so far, the initiative is a significant step towards supporting the modern workforce in India.
