Government Expands Women-Centric Schemes in Delhi, Focusing on Childcare and Safety
The government has significantly expanded a range of women-centric initiatives, as detailed in the 2025-26 Economic Survey. These programs span critical areas such as childcare, safety, mobility, and economic empowerment, with a particular focus on supporting working mothers and enhancing women's access to public services in Delhi.
PALNA – Anganwadi-cum-Crèche Centres: A Key Childcare Initiative
A highlight of these efforts is the rollout of PALNA – Anganwadi-cum-Crèche Centres (AWCCs), a component of Mission Shakti under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. This scheme aims to provide safe and reliable childcare facilities, enabling working mothers to pursue employment without concerns about their children's well-being.
In Delhi, 502 AWCCs have been operationalised across all districts, marking a substantial expansion of childcare infrastructure. These centres were formally dedicated on September 18, 2025, by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development and the Chief Minister. Equipped with essential items such as cradles, toys, mattresses, and learning materials, the centres are designed to offer a safe and stimulating environment for children.
To ensure effective service delivery, regular monitoring by field officials has been implemented, along with capacity-building support from organisations like Mobile Creches. This collaborative approach strengthens the quality and reliability of childcare services, addressing a key need for urban working families.
Enhanced Safety and Mobility Measures for Women
The Economic Survey also reports on significant improvements in women's safety and mobility in Delhi. Under the night bus service, 86 buses are operating on 27 routes, providing safer travel options during late hours. Additionally, 30 "ladies special" buses run on 30 routes during peak hours, further catering to women's commuting needs.
To bolster safety on public transport, 2,983 bus marshals (home guards) have been deployed in DTC and cluster buses. This initiative aims to prevent harassment and ensure a secure environment for women passengers, contributing to greater confidence in using public transportation.
Free Travel Scheme and Economic Empowerment Programs
The free travel scheme for women in DTC and cluster buses continues to see high uptake, demonstrating its popularity and impact. Using Pink Saheli Smart Cards, women passengers are provided free rides through a single-journey pass system. As of February 2026, over 56.21 crore journeys were undertaken by women under this scheme, with the government providing a subsidy of Rs 562.17 crore.
In a move to promote economic empowerment, the Transport Department is offering free training to women for heavy and light motor vehicle driving. This initiative aims to open up new employment opportunities in the transportation sector. Currently, 82 women drivers have been inducted into the Delhi Transport Corporation, showcasing progress in gender diversity in this field.
These expanded women-centric schemes reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by women in urban settings. By integrating childcare support with safety and economic initiatives, the government aims to foster a more inclusive and empowering environment for women in Delhi.
