The Ministry of Women and Child Development has approved the establishment of 14,599 Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (AWCCs) under the Palna Scheme a pioneering initiative aimed at providing full-day childcare and protection services in a safe and nurturing environment.
Launched on April 1, 2022, under the Samarthya sub-component of Mission Shakti, the Palna Scheme seeks to offer quality crèche facilities to children aged 6 months to 6 years. The scheme provides nutritional support, health care, growth monitoring, and immunization services through a structured childcare system.
With sustained efforts by the government in promoting women’s education, skill development, and employment, female participation in the workforce has significantly increased. At the same time, urbanization and the decline of joint family systems have created challenges for working women, particularly in terms of childcare. The absence of reliable daycare services often restricts women from pursuing employment. The Palna Scheme addresses this gap by offering formal childcare solutions to working mothers.
the Palna Scheme, crèche services are being integrated with Anganwadi centres already the world's largest network for child development. This will ensure children receive holistic care, including nutrition and safety, throughout the day. It will also empower women by allowing them to engage in gainful employment without worrying about their children’s well-being.
Moreover, by formalizing care work, the scheme supports Sustainable Development Goal 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth by recognizing and reducing the burden of unpaid domestic responsibilities on women.
A Major Leap through Anganwadi-cum-Crèches:
Anganwadi centres have long played a crucial role in child welfare across India. By merging these centres with crèche services, the government aims to extend quality care to every corner of the country. This integration is expected to boost women’s workforce participation and ensure early childhood development for millions of children.
Targets and Progress:
The government has set a target to establish 17,000 AWCCs across the country by the end of financial year 2025–26. Proposals for setting up these centres have been invited from State Governments and Union Territories, which also contribute their share to the scheme's implementation. So far, based on the proposals received, the Ministry has approved 14,599 AWCCs.
