Maharashtra: Anganwadi-cum-Crèche Scheme Expanded with 345 New Nurseries in First Phase
Pune, 15th October 2024: The implementation of the nursery (Anganwadi-cum-Crèche) scheme under the ‘Mission Shakti’ initiative has been approved by the state government, following guidelines from the Central Government. As part of this, 345 nurseries will be established, and new positions for Anganwadi teachers and helpers will be created for each nursery.
The Women and Child Development Department has issued a government decision (GR) regarding this. Previously, the Rajiv Gandhi National Crèche Scheme (RGNCS) was implemented by the Central Government’s Women and Child Development Department. However, the Central Government later integrated this scheme into the National Crèche Scheme, now part of the Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) Scheme.
In 2023, the government issued detailed guidelines to initiate the nurseries, following orders from 2022. The funding for the scheme will be shared between the central and state governments, with the central government contributing 60% and the state government 40%. As a result, 345 nurseries will be launched in the first phase.
The annual cost per nursery under the RGNCS is ₹3,36,600. Anganwadi teachers in these nurseries will receive an allowance of ₹1,500, while helpers will receive ₹750. Additionally, each nursery will be equipped with preschool component sets, nutritional food, medical kits, and toys. Rent for nurseries will be ₹12,000 per month in metropolitan areas and ₹8,000 per month for other regions. A one-time grant of ₹50,000 will be provided for nursery construction. Budget provisions will also be made for the scheme. The guidelines for the appointment of teachers and helpers will be issued separately.
To ensure smooth implementation, committees have been formed at various levels. A state-level steering committee will be chaired by the Principal Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, a commissionerate-level committee will be led by the Commissioner of ICDS, district-level committees will be chaired by the Collector, and the Anganwadi Sevika will head the nursery-level committee.
