Period between 0 – 6 years of age most important for every child
Joint Committee of Social Security & Education Departments constituted to make required changes in State ECCE policy
Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister presides over ECCE council meeting
Chandigarh, May 18:
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Council in it’s important meeting today presided over by the Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur paved the way for creating a portal in order to regulate the registration of play way schools for children besides hiring a technical partner to render advise on effective implementation of the ECCE policy in the State.
The Council also fixed the fee for the application in respect of the registration of play way schools at Rs. 5000 and the proceeds will deposited into treasury.
In order to transform Anganwadi Centres into the play way schools with the help of Non Governmental Organization PRATHAM, an MoU of Non – Financial nature would be inked with the abovementioned organization and Meeraki Foundation. The agreement would entail developing 2000 Anganwadi Centres into the play way schools apart from advising on registration of play way schools and other ECCE establishments.
It was deliberated by the ECCE Council to direct the State Council of Education, Research and Training (SCERT) prepare a training calendar for the Anganwadi Workers with a view to ensure the proper implementation of the ECCE curriculum.
The council also gave nod to form a joint committee of the Education Department and Social Security, Women & Child Development Department to make required changes in the State ECCE policy in the wake of the New Education Policy, 2020. After making requisite amendments, the updated policy is to be prepared by July 31st, 2023.
The Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the 0-6 year period is a very significant one in the life of every child when they need the physical, emotional, psychological and social support the most because this lays the foundation for their future greatness. In this context, the ECCE emphasizes on healthcare, nutrition, play way and early learning aspects in a protective environment which is absolutely essential for the overall development of the children.