Childhood is not just a time for play and entertainment; it is the most crucial phase in laying the foundation of life. The period from conception to six years of age is vital for a child's mental, physical, and social development. In particular, the first 1,000 days nine months of pregnancy and the first two years after birth—play a decisive role in shaping the child's future. During this time, not only are balanced nutrition essential, but also ample opportunities for cognitive development.
The declining number of joint families and changing social structures has impacted the traditional learning environment that children used to receive at home. To bridge this gap, Anganwadi centers are being strengthened to provide both nutritious meals and early childhood education to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children up to six years of age.
The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh believes that, along with parents, community participation is also crucial for securing a bright future for children. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the "Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi" (Nutrition and Education Together) campaign was launched on May 10, 2023. The objective of this campaign is to transform the Anganwadi system into centers for early childhood care and education. Under this initiative, Anganwadi centers are being upgraded with high-quality infrastructure, play equipment, and trained Anganwadi workers to function as early learning centers.
The Government of India’s "Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi" program integrates early childhood education with nutrition to ensure the holistic development of children. Under this program, children aged 3 to 6 years are provided pre-school education at Anganwadi centers, preparing them for formal schooling. Additionally, for the first time, special activities have been introduced for children under the age of 3 to support their overall development and to identify potential disabilities at an early stage.
Effective Implementation of "Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi" in Madhya Pradesh: Madhya Pradesh has taken a leading role in successfully implementing this program. Experts from the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) have trained 2,758 project officers and supervisors as master trainers, who are now training 95,253 Anganwadi workers across the state. So far, 93,454 Anganwadi workers have successfully completed their training.
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