• The government has launched the Palna initiative, introducing Anganwadi cum Crèche (AWCC) facilities to provide quality childcare for children aged 6 months to 6 years.

• This initiative addresses childcare challenges mothers face, enabling them to join the workforce without compromising their children’s well-being.

• The AWCCs, a first-of-its-kind approach, formalize childcare and supports the "decent work campaign" under Sustainable Development Goal 8.

• These crèches offer nutritional support, health monitoring, immunization, and cognitive development for children.

• Palna benefits mothers across all employment statuses, empowering women and boosting workforce participation.

• Currently, 10,609 AWCCs have been approved nationwide, with ten proposed in West Bengal awaiting operationalization.

• This initiative leverages Anganwadi centers, India’s largest childcare network, to ensure the last-mile delivery of quality care while fostering economic growth through women’s participation.

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