Palna Programme

• Context (PIB): GoI aims to establish 17000 Crèches across the country as part of the Palna programme.

• The erstwhile National Creche Scheme has been reorganized and renamed as Palna Scheme under the sub-scheme ‘Samarthya’ of ‘Mission Shakti’.
• Under Palna Scheme, the provision of Anganwadi cum Creches has been introduced.
• Further, the crèches which were running under the erstwhile National Creche Scheme have been included as Stand Alone Creches.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women & Child Development.
• Implementation: By State Governments. The State Governments could implement the Scheme through other suitable voluntary/ non-governmental organizations.

Target Group

• The scheme focuses on children of 6 months-6 years of working women in rural and urban areas who are employed for a minimum period of 15 days in a month, or six months in a year.

Objectives

• To provide day-care facilities for children (6 months to 6 years) of working mothers in the community.
• To improve the nutrition and health status of children.
• To promote physical, cognitive, social and emotional development (Holistic Development) of children.
• To educate and empower parents /caregivers for better childcare.

Services Provided

• Daycare facilities including sleeping facilities.
• Early stimulation for children below 3 years
• Pre-school education for 3 to 6-year-old children.
• Supplementary nutrition.
• Growth monitoring.
• Health check-up and immunization.

Financial Assistance

• A Recurring Grant of Rs.152600/- per annum is provided for a crèche of 25 children.
• A non-recurring grant for a period of five years – Rs 10,000/- once in the beginning of every new crèche and a subsequent grant of Rs. 5000/- at an interval of five years towards replacement/purchase of equipment/ furniture, water filter, etc.