(THE GIST OF PIB) Palna Scheme

(JULY-2025)

Palna Scheme

Recently, the Minister of State for Women and Child Development informed the Rajya Sabha about the Palna Scheme.

About Palna Scheme:

It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme introduced by the Ministry of Women and Child Development under the Samarthya Vertical of Umbrella Mission Shakti for all States and UTs.
Objective: It aims to provide quality crèche facilities in a safe and secure environment for children (from ages 6 months – 6 years), nutritional support, health and cognitive development of children, growth monitoring & immunization.
Crèche facilities under Palna are provided to all mothers, irrespective of their employment status.
There are two types of Crèches under Palna: Standalone Crèches and Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (AWCCs).
The Mission Shakti Guidelines state that the crèche timings need to be flexible depending on the local requirements.
Crèches shall be open for 26 days in a month and for seven and half (7.5) hours per day as per the work schedule of majority of the mothers in the area.
The Standard Operating Procedures for AWCCs also state that the Creche timings may be decided by State/ UT governments as per local need.
Funding: For General States it is in the ratio 60:40, for North Eastern & Special Category States (90:10) UTs with Legislature (60:40) and for UTs without Legislature centre will provide 100% assistance.
Services: The scheme will provide an integrated package of the following services:
Daycare Facilities including Sleeping Facilities.
Early Stimulation for children below 3 years and Pre-school Education for 3 to 6 years old children.
Supplementary Nutrition (to be locally sourced)
Growth Monitoring.
Health Check-up and Immunization.