Patna: In a significant step towards strengthening Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Bihar, has launched a large-scale training initiative titled ‘Poshan Bhi-Padhai Bhi.’ The program aims to transform Anganwadi centers into vibrant early learning spaces.
Training Over 77,000 Anganwadi Workers
Spearheaded by Bandana Preyashi, Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, the initiative is one of the largest ECCE training drives in the country. A total of 77,916 Anganwadi Sevikas from 24 districts and 374 projects are participating. The training is being conducted at the project level to ensure maximum local participation and effective capacity building.
Focus on Foundational Learning and Nutrition
The program aims to equip Anganwadi workers to deliver engaging, play-based, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences to children under six years of age. It also places a strong emphasis on nutrition, recognizing its critical role in a child’s cognitive and physical development.
The curriculum integrates two flagship programs by the Ministry of Women and Child Development:
- Navchetna – For early stimulation in children aged 0–3 years
- Aadharshila – A structured ECCE curriculum for children aged 3–6 years
Each worker receives a training kit, including the Aadharshila Weekly Calendar and Navchetna Monthly Curriculum, to aid in structured lesson delivery.
Inclusive and Holistic Training Modules
The training includes modules on foundational literacy and numeracy, Nutrition 2.0, the Empowered Anganwadi Framework, and the use of the Nutrition Tracker. Participants are also trained in managing Severe and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (SAM/MAM), addressing micronutrient deficiencies, and promoting inclusive education, gender sensitivity, and emotional development in early learners.
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