National Crèche Scheme — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | National Crèche Scheme 2026 — Free Day Care for Children of Working Mothers | wcd.nic.in |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 1975 |
| Benefit | Day care + nutrition + immunisation + pre-school education for children 6 months-6 years — ₹20/month for BPL mothers |
| Category | Women |
| Last Verified | 16 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://wcd.nic.in/schemes/national-creche-scheme |
What is National Crèche Scheme?
National Crèche Scheme (NCS) is a central government programme under the Ministry of Women and Child Development that provides day-care facilities (crèches) for children aged 6 months to 6 years of working mothers — including daily wage earners, construction workers, domestic workers, farmers, and other women in employment. Crèches are run by NGOs, civil society organisations, and self-help groups with central funding. Services at each crèche: day care, supplementary nutrition, health check-ups, immunisation, pre-school education, recreational activities. Monthly parent contribution: ₹20/child (BPL) or ₹100/child (non-BPL). Government pays ₹5,000-8,000 per crèche per month to the operating organisation. Over 9,000 crèches operational covering 1.35 lakh children. In 2023, the scheme was revised under 'Mission Shakti — Supporting Urban, Rural and Sub-urban Working Women with a Child Care Facility (SUWC)' name with enhanced funding.
Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive Day care + nutrition + immunisation + pre-school education for children 6 months-6 years — ₹20/month for BPL mothers. The scheme was launched in 1975 and is implemented by the Government of India.
राष्ट्रीय क्रèche योजना — कामकाजी माताओं के 6 महीने से 6 वर्ष के बच्चों के लिए मुफ्त/सस्ता day care। NGO/SHG द्वारा संचालित। पोषण, टीकाकरण, pre-school शिक्षा। BPL माताएं: ₹20/माह। 9,000+ crèche, 1.35 लाख बच्चे।
6 माह-6 वर्ष बच्चों की day care + पोषण + टीकाकरण — BPL माताओं के लिए ₹20/माह
Benefits of National Crèche Scheme
Day care + nutrition + immunisation + pre-school education for children 6 months-6 years — ₹20/month for BPL mothers
Who is Eligible for National Crèche Scheme?
- ✓Working mothers (employed/daily wage/self-employed) with children aged 6 months to 6 years
- ✓Priority to BPL families, SC/ST, women in unorganised sector
- ✓Construction workers, domestic workers, agricultural labourers, and factory workers prioritised
- ✓Application to nearest crèche — find crèche via local ICDS/WCD office
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Documents Required for National Crèche Scheme
How to Apply for National Crèche Scheme Online?
- 1Visit the official portal at https://wcd.nic.in/schemes/national-creche-scheme
- 2Click on Apply Now or Register button on the homepage
- 3Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and verify OTP
- 4Fill in the online application form with required details
- 5Upload the required documents including Aadhaar and bank passbook
- 6Review all details and submit the application
- 7Note down the application reference number for future tracking
- 8Wait for verification and approval from the concerned authority
Official Government Portal
Apply directly on the official government website. This is the only authorised portal — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
🔗Apply on wcd.nic.in/schemes/national-creche-schemeFrequently Asked Questions — National Crèche Scheme
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How to apply for PM Ujjwala Yojana?+
Visit the nearest LPG distributor (HP, Bharatgas, or Indane) or apply online at pmuy.gov.in with your Aadhaar and BPL certificate.
What is the current interest rate for Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?+
The interest rate is 8.2% per annum for FY 2025-26, compounded annually. This rate is reviewed quarterly by the government. It is one of the highest government-guaranteed rates in India — higher than PPF (7.1%) and NSC (7.7%).
Where can I open a Sukanya Samriddhi account?+
Open an SSY account at any post office or authorized banks: SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank, and most major banks. You need the girl's birth certificate and parent's Aadhaar/PAN.
What are the key benefits of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao?+
Benefits include financial incentives for families with girl children, free education support, improved healthcare for girls, and community awareness programs to prevent female foeticide.
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