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Source: The post is based on the article “Palna Scheme: Government aims to set up 17,000 creches across India” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd December 2023
Why in the News?
The Union Women and Child Development Ministry aims to establish 17,000 creches in Anganwadi Centres across the country. This is being done as part of Palna Scheme.
What is the Palna Scheme?
| Specifications | Details |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Women and Child Development |
| Earlier Name | National Creche Scheme |
| Type | Centrally Sponsored Scheme |
| Aim | 1) To address the urgent need for quality day-care facilities /creches for the children of working women. 2) To improve nutrition and health status of children. |
| Component of | Samarthya which is a sub-component under Mission Shakti. |
| Focus of the scheme | The scheme focuses on two types of creches 1) Anganwadi-cum-Crèches: These centers combine existing Anganwadi services with dedicated crèche facilities. This approach aims to holistically address the needs of both mothers and children in one convenient location. 2) Stand-alone creches: The crèches which were running under the erstwhile National Creche Scheme have been included as Stand Alone Creches. |
| Target Group | The scheme focuses on children of 6 months to 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. |
What is Creche?
A crèche is a facility which enables parents to leave their children while they are at work and where children are provided a stimulating environment for their holistic development.
UPSC Syllabus: Schemes in News
