Source: IE
Context: The government plans to focus on early childhood care and education in 14 lakh Anganwadi centres, reimagining them as pre-schools providing early learning opportunities, according to the ‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’ campaign launched by the Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani in September 2022.
About the “Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi” campaign for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE):
| Aspect | Details |
| Target Age Group | Children under 6 years, especially under 3 years |
| National Education Policy | Prioritizes foundational literacy and numeracy with emphasis on Child’s Mother tongue |
| Recommendations of High-Level Task Force on ECCE (2022) | “Rebranding of anganwadis” with upgraded infrastructure; Re-designation of Anganwadis workers as Anganwadi teachers, and helpers as childcare workers; Creche facilities for children under 3 years; Develop common curriculum across different models and emphasis on education in child’s mother tongue. |
| What is Early Childhood? | It refers to the formative stage of the first six years of life, with well-marked sub-stages and age-specific needs. |
| What is Anganwadi? | Anganwadi is a type of rural child care centre that serves as a crucial link between the government and the rural population, particularly pregnant women, new mothers, and children under the age of six. Anganwadi centres provide basic health care, nutrition, and early childhood education services to women and children in their respective villages. |
