New Delhi, Sept 3: In a landmark move aimed at transforming early childhood education, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Minister of Women & Child Development Annapurna Devi jointly launched the “Guidelines for Co-location of Anganwadi Centres with Schools” at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday.

आज विज्ञान भवन, दिल्ली में @EduMinOfIndia और @MinistryWCD द्वारा प्राथमिक विद्यालयों व आंगनवाड़ी केंद्रों को एक ही परिसर में स्थापित करने हेतु दिशानिर्देशों के शुभारंभ कार्यक्रम में माननीया महिला एवं बाल विकास मंत्री श्रीमती @Annapurna4BJP जी के साथ सम्मिलित हुआ।

इस अभिनव पहल… pic.twitter.com/UUKg4TUKyW

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) September 3, 2025

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Pradhan highlighted the need for comprehensive care for pregnant mothers, newborns, and pre-school children. He proposed a dedicated learning module for Anganwadi workers who have not completed Class 12 but are eager to continue their education. “Anganwadi didis are the first teachers in a child’s life. With the help of AI and digital tools, we can make learning more effective in Indian languages,” he said.

The Minister also announced that nearly 2 lakh private and government high schools will be connected with broadband over the next three years. Citing recent ASER and PARAKH data, he noted that rural children’s learning outcomes have surpassed those in urban areas—a testament to the dedication of Anganwadi workers.

The initiative is a strategic step toward realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, emphasizing the importance of nurturing children from the earliest stages of life.

The guidelines align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which for the first time recognizes Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) as the foundation of the learning continuum. The NEP’s 5+3+3+4 structure integrates three years of pre-school education into the formal system.

It aims to integrate Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) with primary schools, ensuring a seamless transition from pre-school to formal education and promoting holistic development through coordinated efforts in education, health, and nutrition.

With over 15 crore children in the pre-primary and early school years, this initiative marks a significant step toward building a robust foundation for India’s future.