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.