First 1,000 Days of Life Hold the Key to a Child’s Future; Proper Nutrition and Early Stimulation to Build a Strong Foundation: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Mission Aarambh Connects 1.6 Lakh Parents Across All 23 Districts Through WhatsApp-Based Home Learning Initiative
27,307 Anganwadi Workers Trained to Deliver Quality Pre-School Education Through Aadharshila-Based Curriculum
Over 15.59 Lakh Parents, Including 4.83 Lakh Fathers, Participate in ECCE Day, Reflecting Historic Community Engagement
Chandigarh, June 26:
In a landmark initiative to strengthen Early Childhood Development (ECD) and ensure every child in Punjab gets the best possible start in life, the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, today launched the “Little Steps, Big Development” campaign during the Punjab Child Development Conclave 2026. The campaign seeks to promote the holistic development of children through improved nutrition, early stimulation, growth monitoring, quality pre-school education and active parental participation.
Addressing a press conference during the conclave, Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, said the initiative marks a significant step towards building a healthier, smarter and more confident generation by ensuring that every child receives quality care and learning opportunities during the most formative years of life.
Highlighting Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s commitment towards child welfare, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Punjab Government is dedicated to providing every child with a safe, healthy and nurturing environment. She said children are Punjab’s greatest asset, and strengthening Anganwadi services will ensure that every eligible child receives quality nutrition, care and early learning opportunities.
Emphasising the importance of the first 1,000 days of life, the Minister said the period comprising 270 days of pregnancy and the first 730 days after birth is the most crucial for brain development. Proper nutrition, responsive caregiving, communication, storytelling, play and emotional bonding during this period help build strong neural connections that shape a child’s lifelong learning, health and behaviour.
Under the “Little Steps, Big Development” campaign, Anganwadi Workers will conduct monthly home visits for children aged 0–3 years, organise play-based learning activities and provide parents with age-appropriate guidance to strengthen responsive caregiving and early childhood stimulation.
Announcing another landmark initiative, Dr. Baljit Kaur said every child from birth to three years of age across Punjab will receive a specially designed Child Development Report Card to help parents track age-appropriate developmental milestones and facilitate early identification of developmental delays. Parents will also be provided with an illustrated guidebook containing simple, age-specific activities to promote learning and development at home, enabling timely intervention wherever required.
Sharing the achievements of Mission Aarambh, the Minister said the Department’s WhatsApp-based Home Learning Initiative has successfully connected nearly 1.6 lakh parents through the participation of 26,209 Anganwadi Workers across all 23 districts of Punjab. She further informed that 27,307 Anganwadi Workers have successfully completed training and assessment under the Aadharshila-based Joint Curriculum, equipping them to deliver quality play-based pre-school education through stories, flash cards and digital learning resources.
Highlighting the importance of nutrition, Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months provides complete nourishment for infants and eliminates the need for water, honey or other supplements. After six months, complementary feeding with fresh, nutritious homemade food should begin alongside continued breastfeeding. She encouraged parents to ensure dietary diversity and regular growth monitoring through Anganwadi Centres. She also stressed the importance of accurate and timely data entry on the Poshan Tracker for early identification and management of malnutrition.
The Minister further highlighted the remarkable participation of parents in Early Childhood Care and Education initiatives. During 2025–26, a record 15,59,994 parents participated in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Day, including 10,76,064 mothers and 4,83,930 fathers, demonstrating growing community ownership of child development.
Describing the campaign as a people’s movement rather than merely a Government programme, Dr. Baljit Kaur said every Anganwadi Worker’s visit to a beneficiary’s home carries guidance, care and hope for a child’s brighter future. She reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every child grows up with dignity, good health and equal opportunities.
The Minister also called upon Anganwadi Workers to undertake regular home visits, maintain accurate records on the Poshan Tracker, organise Care Days and ECCE Day activities and strengthen coordination with ASHA Workers, schools and the Health Department to ensure timely support for children requiring additional care. The Department has also released an annual Poshan Abhiyaan Calendar to strengthen nutrition awareness at the community level.
The conclave concluded with a reaffirmation of the Punjab Government’s commitment to integrating nutrition, early stimulation, growth monitoring, quality pre-school education and community participation to ensure the healthy and holistic development of every child in the State.
Among those present were Secretary, Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Shri Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, IAS, Special Secretary Shri Keshav Hingonia, IAS, Director Dr. Sheena Aggarwal, IAS, senior officers of the Department and officials from all districts.
