How is Jharkhand's Palna Scheme Benefiting Working Women?
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Synopsis
In Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, the 'Palna' Scheme is transforming the lives of working women by offering essential child care services. With the launch of creches, mothers can now work with peace of mind, knowing their children are safe and well cared for. This initiative is a significant step towards supporting working families in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Palna Scheme supports working mothers with child care.
- Provides a safe environment for children's development.
- Accessible to all mothers, regardless of employment.
- Expands support with 32 creches in Hazaribagh.
- Aims to enhance women’s workforce participation.
Hazaribagh, Oct 15 (NationPress) The residents of Jharkhand's Hazaribagh are now reaping the rewards of the Central government's ambitious 'Palna' Scheme, which alleviates the concerns of working women regarding child care during work hours.
Rebranded from the National Creche Scheme, the 'Palna' Scheme under Mission Shakti offers day care services for children aged 6 months to 6 years of working mothers. This initiative seeks to foster comprehensive child development, provide nutritional and health assistance, and educate parents on effective child care practices.
At the Secretariat complex in Hazaribagh, the scheme was officially launched by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with National Health Mission Director, Aradhna Patnaik. She mentioned that enhanced facilities are now available for working women.
The plan includes the establishment of 32 creches across Hazaribagh district, with the inaugural centre opened at the Social Welfare Department office complex. Social Welfare Officer Shipra Sinha emphasized that children will enjoy a home-like environment in these centres, providing peace of mind for working mothers.
Local women have expressed their appreciation for the initiative, noting that the availability of creches will greatly assist them in balancing their professional and parental responsibilities. They can now leave their children in a safe, nurturing environment while they work, with many describing the program as a significant boon for working mothers.
Additional creches are set to be launched in Barkagaon and Keredari, thereby broadening the scheme's support for more working women in the district.
“The fundamental idea of a creche is to assist working women by caring for their children aged 6 months to 6 years during work hours. We are dedicated to providing home-like facilities for these children,” Sinha told IANS.
Beneficiary Sangeeta Kumari remarked, “This scheme is fantastic. Given our busy office schedules, we often worry about our kids. This initiative gives us the peace of mind that our children are in safe hands.”
The Palna Scheme's goal is to offer quality creche services in a secure setting for children (aged 6 months to 6 years), alongside nutritional support, healthcare, cognitive development, growth monitoring, and immunization. Notably, creche services under Palna are accessible to all mothers, irrespective of their employment status.
The Palna component under Mission Shakti provides an extensive array of services to enhance early childhood care and development, in conjunction with Mission Poshan 2.0.
There are two varieties of creches under the Palna Scheme: standalone creches and anganwadi-cum-creches.
According to Mission Shakti guidelines, standalone creches are staffed by a creche worker and a helper, while anganwadi-cum-creches (AWCCs) employ an additional creche worker and helper on top of existing anganwadi staff. Anganwadi centres rank among the world's most extensive childcare systems, ensuring care delivery even in remote locations.
The Anganwadi-cum-Creche initiative also aspires to enhance women's participation in the workforce. The Ministry of Women and Child Development aims to establish 17,000 new Anganwadi-cum-Creches under the Palna Scheme during 2024–25.
As of March 2025, 11,395 AWCCs have been approved across 34 states and Union Territories, based on submissions received from various regions.
Point of View
It is evident that the 'Palna' Scheme is not merely a child care initiative; it is a transformative measure that addresses the pressing needs of working women in Hazaribagh. By providing a supportive environment for children's growth and development, this scheme stands as a testament to the government's commitment to fostering gender equality and empowering families.
NationPress
15/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Palna Scheme?
The Palna Scheme is an initiative by the Central government providing day care services for children aged 6 months to 6 years, supporting working mothers.
Who can benefit from the Palna Scheme?
All mothers, regardless of their employment status, can access creche facilities under the Palna Scheme.
How many creches will be opened under this scheme?
Plans are in place to establish 32 creches across Hazaribagh district.
What services do the creches offer?
Creches provide a home-like environment, nutritional support, healthcare, and cognitive development for children.
When will the additional creches be established?
Additional creches are planned to open in Barkagaon and Keredari, extending support to more working women in the district.
