Lok Sabha Question No. 1328 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-09
Subject: National Creche Scheme
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Krupal Balaji Tumane

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1328

TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.02.2024

## NATIONAL CRECHE SCHEME

## 1328.  SHRI KRUPAL BALAJI TUMANE

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) the challenges faced by the Government and the achievements made so far since the launch of the National Creche Scheme (NCS);
- (b) the  details  of  the  funding  mechanism  between  the  Union  and  the  State Governments under the scheme;
- (c) whether the Government has made any assessment of the functioning of the NCS since its launch, if so, the details along with the outcome thereof;
- (d) the number of women working in unorganized sectors in the country, especially in backward areas for whom creche facilities are available as on date;
- (e) whether there is any proposal to convert Anganwadi Centres into Day Carecum-creches, if so, the details thereof and the steps taken thereon; and
- (f) whether the proposals of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu regarding release of funds for Day Care Centres are pending with the Union Government, if so, the details thereof along with the action taken thereon?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a)  to (f):  The erstwhile 'National Crèche Scheme (NCS)', for Children of Working Mothers was being implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development  as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme from 01.01.2017 to 31.03.2022 for providing Crèche services. As part of the scheme, Stand-alone Crèches were being operated through NGOs as implementing agencies.

As per report of Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), NITI Aayog, it was seen that a majority of states have emphasised that they prefer to run Anganwadi-cum-crèches  (AWCCs)  instead  of  separate  stand-alone  crèches  as  it increases their financial, HR and administrative burden attributed to the implementation  of  an  additional  scheme.  Accordingly,  Department  of  Expenditure, Ministry  of  Finance  during  the  Expenditure  Finance  Committee  (EFC)  for  Mission Shakti  recommended  that  Creches  may  be  merged  with  the  nearest  Anganwadi Centres, and run as AWCCs.

Accordingly, the Ministry introduced Palna sub-scheme under Mission Shakti for all States/UTs w.e.f. 01 April 2022, for providing day care facilities and protection to children.

Palna is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme ensuring the participation of State/UT government  to  ensure  better  day-to-day  monitoring  and  proper  implementation  of scheme, and is implemented with a funding ratio of 60:40 between Centre and State Governments and UTs with legislature except North East & Special Category States where ratio is 90:10. For UTs without legislature, 100% funding is provided by the central government.

Anganwadi centres are the world's largest childcare institutions dedicated to providing essential care and support to children ensuring delivery of care facilities till the  last  mile.  In  a  first  of  its  kind  approach,  Ministry  has  extended  the  services  of childcare  through  Anganwadi  cum  Crèche.  This  will  ensure  whole  day  childcare support ensuring their well-being in a safe and secure environment. Anganwadi cum Crèche initiative aims to increase the women work force participation in the economy. The objective  of Palna component  is  to  provide  quality  crèche  facility  in  safe  and secure environment for children (from ages 6 months - 6 years), nutritional support, health  and  cognitive  development  of  children,  growth  monitoring,  immunization, education etc. Crèche facilities under Palna are to be provided to all mothers, including those working in unorganized sectors, and irrespective of their employment status.

Proposals for establishment and operation of Crèches are received from the respective  State  Governments/UT  Administrations,  who  are  also  responsible  for contributing their corresponding share for the implementation of the Scheme. As on date,  5631  AWCCs have been approved till  date,  as  per  proposals  received  from various States/UTs. Out of these, 345 AWCCs have been approved for the State of Maharashtra and 100 AWCCs have been approved for the State of Tamil Nadu.

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