(a) whether the Government is considering to focus on a comprehensive
approach towards providing a sound foundation for survival growth, protection, development and early learning under the proposed Early Childhood Care and
Education Policy;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has received suggestions from various quarters of the society to have more Comprehensive Early Childhood Care Policy;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the action taken thereon?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT(SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a): Yes Madam, the Government of India in the Ministry of Women and Child
Development has prepared “Draft National Policy on Early Childhood Care and
Education (ECCE)â€, “Draft National Curriculum Framework for Early Childhood
Education (ECE)†and “Draft Quality Standards in ECCE†with a view to lay
focus on a comprehensive approach towards providing a sound foundation for
survival growth, protection, development and early learning under the
proposed Early Childhood Care and Education. These documents were
circulated to all the concerned organizations and public inviting
their suggestions/comments and also hosted on Ministry’s website i.e.
http.wcd.nic.in
(b): The vision of the policy is to promote inclusive, equitable and
contextualized opportunities for promoting optimal development and active
learning capacity of all children below six years of age. It envisages
to improve pathways for a successful and smooth transition from care and
education provided at home to centre based ECCE and thereafter to school
age provision by facilitating an enabling environment through appropriate
systems, processes and provisions across the country. The Policy visualizes
to provide holistic and integrated developmental opportunities to all children
under six years age of age through programme and provisions for early
childhood development.
(c): Yes, the Government has received suggestions/comments from various
quarters of the society to have more Comprehensive Early Childhood Care Policy.
(d): As per the comments/suggestions received, the Policy has been considered
a commendable initiative of the Government and is being welcomed as the first
step in the recognition of the crucial nature of early childhood. The suggestions
inter alia focus on a right based approach to ECD; enhanced focus on care and
protection component in the policy; provision for child friendly Anganwadi
buildings; adoption of quality norms and standards; regulation of all ECCE
provisions whether in private, public, or voluntary sector; appropriate and
adequate training for ECCE professionals; prerequisites in terms of
qualifications, wages, hours of work, and establishment of career pathways
for ECCE professionals; increased funding for ECCE, etc.
(e): The suggestions/comments received have been compiled and a National
Level consultation is proposed to be held where these will be placed and
considered before finalizing.