Jaipur. In a significant move to overhaul early childhood education, Chief Secretary V. Srinivas has issued directives to transform all Anganwadi centers across Rajasthan into fully functional play schools. During a comprehensive review meeting held at the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) directorate in Gandhinagar, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for a structured approach to pre-school learning for children aged three to six years.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the daily operational schedules of these centers, praising the dedication of grassroots workers in managing nutrition, health monitoring, and educational activities. He instructed departmental officials to conduct regular field visits to observe daily operations firsthand. These visits are intended to help identify operational challenges, provide necessary guidance to workers, and ensure that government welfare schemes reach the intended beneficiaries effectively.
To encourage excellence, the administration plans to identify and document the contributions of 100 outstanding Anganwadi workers who have already made significant strides in upgrading their centers. By publishing these success stories, the government hopes to inspire others to adopt similar innovative practices. The meeting also highlighted the success of the Cash Plus model, which integrates direct benefit transfers with behavioral change communication for pregnant and lactating mothers.
Addressing the critical issue of child development, the Chief Secretary called for enhanced training for field staff to identify signs of developmental delays in children early. He stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination and directed the ICDS, in collaboration with UNICEF, to develop digital management tools for better tracking and intervention. Furthermore, he urged for stronger synergy between ANMs, Anganwadi workers, and ASHA Sahayoginis to improve overall maternal and child health outcomes.
The session concluded with a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on National Unity Day, followed by a tree plantation drive at the directorate. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Women and Child Development Department, ICDS directors, and representatives from partner organizations like UNICEF and IPE Global.