Palna Scheme Brings Relief to Working Women in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh
Hazaribagh, Jharkhand | October 15, 2025 — Working women in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district have started reaping the benefits of the Central government’s rebranded ‘Palna’ Scheme, which promises safe and nurturing childcare facilities for children aged 6 months to 6 years.
The initiative, formerly known as the National Creche Scheme, has been revamped under Mission Shakti to promote holistic child development while enabling women to participate in the workforce without worrying about their children’s safety.
Scheme Launched to Empower Working Mothers
The ‘Palna’ Scheme was officially launched at the Secretariat complex in Hazaribagh by Aradhna Patnaik, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Director of the National Health Mission. Patnaik said the new facilities are a major step toward improving the work-life balance of women in both urban and rural areas.
She highlighted that the scheme not only provides daycare but also ensures a comprehensive focus on nutrition, health care, and early childhood learning. “We are ensuring improved facilities for working women through this initiative. Our goal is to create safe, home-like spaces for children while their mothers work,” Patnaik stated.
32 Creches Planned Across Hazaribagh District
Under the new rollout, 32 creches are planned across Hazaribagh district. The first centre was inaugurated at the Social Welfare Department office complex.
Social Welfare Officer Shipra Sinha said the centres are designed to provide a homely environment for children. “The basic concept of a creche is to support working women by taking care of their children aged 6 months to 6 years while they are at work. We are providing home-like facilities to these children,” she said.
Future centres will also be opened in Barkagaon and Keredari, expanding the scheme’s reach to more families in the district.
Women Hail the Move as a “Blessing”
Local working women have welcomed the scheme with enthusiasm, describing it as a game-changer in their daily lives.
Beneficiary Sangeeta Kumari shared her relief: “It’s a really good scheme. Since we’re busy with office work all day, we constantly worry about our children. This concept gives us peace of mind knowing that our children are safe and well cared for.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, saying the initiative has allowed them to focus on their professional responsibilities without compromising their children’s well-being.
About the Palna Scheme Under Mission Shakti
The Palna Scheme aims to ensure holistic early childhood care and development. It offers:
- Safe and secure creche facilities for children aged 6 months to 6 years.
- Nutritional meals and health care services.
- Cognitive development and growth monitoring.
- Immunisation and parental awareness programs.
Importantly, the scheme’s benefits extend to all mothers, irrespective of their employment status, ensuring that both working women and homemakers can access childcare support when needed.
The Palna component operates in convergence with Mission Poshan 2.0, reinforcing nutrition and health outcomes for young children.
Two Types of Creches: Standalone and Anganwadi-Cum-Creche
As per Mission Shakti guidelines, there are two models under the scheme:
- Standalone Creches (SCs): Staffed by a Creche Worker and a Creche Helper.
- Anganwadi-Cum-Creches (AWCCs): These centres integrate with the existing Anganwadi system. Alongside the Anganwadi Worker and Helper, an additional Creche Worker and Helper are appointed to strengthen child care services.
Anganwadi centres are among the world’s largest childcare networks, and this integration ensures that even the most remote areas benefit from the scheme’s outreach.
Expanding Nationwide
According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), the government aims to set up 17,000 new Anganwadi-Cum-Creches across India under the Palna Scheme during 2024–25.
As of March 2025, 11,395 AWCCs have already been approved across 34 States and Union Territories, based on proposals received from local administrations.
Boosting Women’s Workforce Participation
Beyond its childcare focus, the Palna Scheme represents a strategic effort to enhance women’s participation in the workforce. By addressing one of the key barriers to female employment — the lack of reliable childcare — the initiative aligns with India’s broader mission to empower women economically and socially.
The scheme’s implementation in Hazaribagh marks a crucial step toward inclusive growth, where women can pursue careers while ensuring their children receive quality care.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The rollout of the Palna Scheme in Hazaribagh symbolizes a meaningful stride toward gender equity and early childhood welfare. By providing a safe, supportive environment for children and peace of mind for mothers, the initiative stands as a testament to the government’s vision for empowering women while nurturing the nation’s youngest citizens.