Lok Sabha Question No. 2287 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-15
Subject: Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Gaurav Gogoi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2287

TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.12.2023

## RAJIV GANDHI NATIONAL CRECHE SCHEME

## 2287.  SHRI GAURAV GOGOI

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware that several creches under the Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme are closing down due to lack of funds;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  of  funds  released  under  the  Rajiv  Gandhi  National  Creche Scheme along with its  utilization  in  the  FY  2018-19,  2019-20,  2020-21  and 2021-22;
- (c) whether the extra funds disbursed to the State councils without any reference to  the  ground  situation  regarding  the  number  of  creches  functioning  and number of children enrolled, will be reconsidered and initiatives for the refund of additional funds will be taken by the Government;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (e) the details of the number of creches working under the scheme?

## ANSWER

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

(a)   to  (e):   Rajiv  Gandhi  National  Creche  Scheme  (RGNCS)  for  the  Children  of Working Mothers was launched as a central sector scheme w.e.f. 1st January 2006 by merging the National Creche Fund with the Scheme of Assistance to Voluntary Organizations for  creches  for Working/Ailing  Women's  Children.  The  Scheme  was implemented through the Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) and two voluntary organizations, namely Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) and Bhartiya Adim Jati Sevak Sangh (BAJSS) in States/UTs. The funding pattern of the scheme was 90:10 where in 90 was Centre and 10 was Implementing Agency which were the voluntary organisations. State/UT governments were not the stakeholders in the scheme, so monitoring and supervision was inadequate.

In  view  of  complaints  regarding  irregularities  in  management  of  creches  by BAJSS,  5,522  creches  were  temporarily  transferred  to  CSWB  with  effect  from  18 November 2008. A writ petition, W.P.No.11116/2015, had been filed in the Honorable Delhi High Court alleging misappropriation of funds by ICCW, one of the implementing agencies. In this regard, Honorable Delhi High Court had directed that States/UTs have  to  verify  the  functioning  of  those  crèches.  Subsequently,  RGNCS  was discontinued w.e.f. 31 December 2016. Considering the difficulties faced by the working mothers in giving due childcare and protection to their children, it has been decided to provide the day-care créche facilities through the component of Palna . Ministry of Women and Child Development has  introduced Palna sub-scheme  under  Mission  Shakti  implemented  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 for day-to-day monitoring and proper implementation of scheme. 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  creche  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. Proposals for establishment and operation of Creches are received from the respective  State  Governments/UT  Administrations,  who  are  also  responsible  for contributing their corresponding share for the implementation of the Scheme. During the 15 th  Finance Cycle, a total of 17,000 AWCCs have been envisioned to be set-up, out of which, 5222 AWCCs have been approved till date, as per proposals received from various States/UTs. As on 31.10.2023, 2412 GoI aided Standalone Creches are operational.

In the 15 th  Finance Commission (2021-22 to 2025-26), a total of Rs. 20,989 Cr including central and state share has been allocated under Mission Shakti.

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