| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Palna Scheme under Samarthya vertical of Mission Shakti |
| Launch Date | April 1, 2022 |
| Target Beneficiaries | Children aged 6 months to 6 years; working mothers (all employment statuses) |
| Objective | Provide day-care/creche facilities, promote early childhood care, support women's workforce participation, reduce unpaid care burden |
| Key Features | - Integrated Anganwadi-cum-Creches (AWCCs)- Universal access (no employment status restriction)- Holistic childcare (nutrition, health, cognitive development)- Aligns with SDG 8 |
| Implementation | - Target: 17,000 AWCCs by FY 2025-26- Approved centres: 14,599 (as per state/UT proposals)- Funding: Centre-state co-funded |
| Ministry | Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) |
| Recent Update | Progress shared in Rajya Sabha by MoS Smt. Savitri Thakur |

