Union WCD Minister Smt. Smriti Irani urges States and UTs to identify areas with a higher number of women working in unorganised sector to connect them with the Centre's Anganwadi-cum-creche scheme

  A comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure on Anganwadi-Cum- Crèche Under Palna released Government aims to establish 17000 Crèches out ...

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A comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure on Anganwadi-Cum- Crèche Under Palna released

Government aims to establish 17000 Crèches out of which 5222 approved till date

New Delhi.

Asal Baat News.   

A National Level Programme on Anganwadi-Cum-Crèche Under Palna was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today (21tst December 2023) to release the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the scheme. The Anganwadi-Cum- Crèche initiative under the Palna Scheme underwent revisions and was included as part of the Samarthya sub-component of Mission Shakti, starting from April 2022. The central aim of Anganwadi-cum- Crèches is to meet the demand for quality childcare facilities and enable women to actively participate in the workforce.

The programme started with an inaugural session under the chairpersonship of Union Minister of Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani in the presence of Minister of State for Ministry of Women and Child Development and AYUSH, Government of India Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai. The other dignitaries that graced the occasion included Shri Indevar Pandey, Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India; Ms. Arti Ahuja, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India; Shri. Inder Deep Singh Dhariwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India and Ms. Rajul Bhatt, Joint Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training, Government of India. The event was attended by senior officers from MoWCD, State WCD Officers, CDPOs, Lady Supervisors, Anganwadi Workers from across the country and experts from Civil Society Organisations.

In his introductory speech Shri. Indevar Pandey, Secretary, MWCD stated that the Anganwadi-cum-Crèche (Palna) scheme aims to address the gap that exists particularly in urban areas where support for childcare from family members is not available and there is a need for institutional support to facilitate contribution of women in the economy. He said that two additional Crèche workers and helpers will be deputed along with the existing Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi helpers under Palna scheme.

Ms. Aarti Ahuja, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India emphasized on the fact that participation of women in the workforce has increased to 37% in 2022. The graph for women participation is now seeing an upward trend and it is the responsibility of all to enable women participation in the workforce. Government’s determination to aid women workforce participation is evident in various provisions that have been added and revised in the Maternity Benefit Act, 2017.

Shri. Inder Deep Singh Dhariwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, highlighted the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within the social sphere. This focus arises from the recognition of businesses' potential in driving positive societal change. Ms. Rajul Bhatt, Joint Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training, stressed the need to nurture family friendly workplaces and to facilitate women’s participation in nation building.

A short film that captures the essence of the scheme and its features was screened on the occassion. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Anganwadi-cum- was also released by Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani. The SOP outlines a comprehensive framework for the administration and implementation of the scheme, including administrative hierarchy, roles and responsibilities of the workers and monitoring checklist. The SOP will serve as a vital tool in ensuring the successful and efficient operation of Anganwadi-cum- Crèches, contributing to the overall well-being of the community.

Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai highlighted various efforts of the Ministry in facilitating women’s economic empowerment. He further informed that the government aims to establish 17000 Crèches out of which 5222 have been approved till date. He stated that, “Anganwadi cum Crèche will prove to be instrumental in improving the labour force participation among women, thereby making substantial impact on the economic development of Bharat”.