From the Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry’s initiative to transform existing creches into ‘Anganwadi cum Creches’ and ‘Stand Alone Creches’, to their ambitious plans of setting up 17,000 additional creches across India under the ‘Palna’ scheme, there is a noticeable national effort towards providing safe day-care facilities for children. While aligning with the increasing rate of women’s participation in the workforce, these initiatives aim to enhance the cognitive, nutritional, and health development of our future generations.
The ‘Palna’ Scheme – A Boost for Anganwadi Centers
The Union Women and Child Development Ministry has outlined a strategy to set up roughly 17,000 creches within Anganwadi centers across the country. This ambitious endeavor is part of the ‘Palna’ scheme, demonstrating the government’s commitment to prioritizing affordable and safe daycare services for children. The emphasis on enhancing holistic child growth marks the scheme as being responsive to children’s cognitive, nutritional, and health needs.
Women in the Workforce and the Role of Creches
With the female workforce participation rate in India climbing to 37% in 2022, the availability of reliable childcare becomes imperative. This spike in working women makes the augmentation of creches crucial. Supporting women who are contributing to the economy while simultaneously ensuring their children’s nurturing environment is seen as a key driver behind this expansion.
‘Mission Shakti’ and the Revamping of the National Creche Scheme
In July 2022, the WCD Ministry revamped the National Creche Scheme under ‘Mission Shakti.’ This transformation designated a dual role to Anganwadi centers as they now house creches too, rebranding them as ‘Anganwadi cum Creches.’ Concurrently, existing creches from the old scheme are reidentified as ‘Stand Alone Creches.’
The Impact of ‘Mission Shakti’ on Anganwadi Services
‘Mission Shakti’, an initiative aimed at empowering women and ensuring children’s welfare, has had a significant impact on Anganwadi services. By implementing the ‘Palna’ scheme, it presents a two-fold benefit. Firstly, it provides a safe environment for children where they can receive nourishment and engage in cognition-boosting activities. Secondly, it supports women by providing reliable childcare facilities, allowing them to pursue their professional endeavors without worrying about their children’s safety and well-being.
The Significance of Anganwadi cum Creches and Stand Alone Creches
The transformation of traditional Anganwadi centers into ‘Anganwadi cum Creches’ signifies a marked shift in approach towards child care in India. It reflects an underlying goal to offer comprehensive childcare services, enhancing not just physical health but cognitive growth too. Similarly, the establishment of ‘Stand Alone Creches’ under the revamped scheme indicates a conscious effort to diversify childcare options, especially for working women.
A Confluence of Women Empowerment and Child Development
The WCD Ministry’s initiatives like ‘Mission Shakti’ and the ‘Palna’ scheme underscore a necessary confluence of women’s empowerment and comprehensive child development. By providing improved child care services, these initiatives not only support women’s increasing participation in the workforce but also ensure the holistic development of the future generations.
