Implementation of ‘Palna Yojana’ Under Mission Shakti in Maharashtra – Women & Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare

Relief for Working Women and Laborers

Mumbai, August 2025 : Under the Samarthya initiative of the Central Government’s Mission Shakti, a new scheme titled “Palna” has been launched to enable women to take care of their children while being employed. The scheme will provide facilities in Anganwadis for children between 6 months and 6 years of age. Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare said this initiative will offer significant relief to working and employed women while ensuring safe and quality care for children.

In the first phase, approval has been granted to start 345 daycare centers in Maharashtra. These centers will provide day-care services, pre-school education, supplementary nutrition, growth monitoring, health check-ups, and immunization. Children will also be given three meals daily – breakfast, a hot cooked lunch, and an evening snack.

Each daycare center will function 26 days a month, for 7.5 hours daily, accommodating a maximum of 25 children. Each center will have one daycare worker (Palna Sevika) and one helper (Palna Sahayika). Facilities such as electricity, drinking water, and child-friendly toilets will also be made available.

Under this program, Anganwadi workers will receive an allowance of ₹1500 per month, Anganwadi helpers will get ₹750 per month, while Palna Sevikas will be paid ₹5500 per month and Palna Sahayikas ₹3000 per month.