The Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi initiative, launched by the Government of India on May 10, 2023, has made significant strides in enhancing early childhood care and education across the country. Designed to strengthen the skills of Anganwadi workers, this program aims to ensure that children under six years of age, including those with disabilities, receive quality education and nutrition services.
As of March 19, 2025, an impressive 36,027 State-Level Master Trainers, including Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), supervisors, and additional resource persons, have been trained to lead the program. In addition, 3,11,299 Anganwadi workers across India have undergone specialized training to implement Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi effectively. This extensive effort marks a critical step in transforming Anganwadi centers into vibrant learning spaces equipped with high-quality infrastructure, play materials, and well-trained educators.
The training follows a structured two-tier model. The first tier involves training State-Level Master Trainers at the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) headquarters in New Delhi and its five regional centers. These trainers, in turn, conduct three-day training workshops for Anganwadi workers across the country. The hybrid learning approach, combining online and offline methods, ensures that the workers receive comprehensive guidance on fostering early childhood development.
To further strengthen early learning, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has developed two curriculum frameworks under the initiative. Navchetna – National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation for Children from Birth to 3 Years is designed to guide caregivers and Anganwadi workers in stimulating brain development through structured activities both at home and in Anganwadi centers. It also includes guidelines for screening, inclusion, and referral of children with disabilities, ensuring that every child receives the support they need.
For children aged 3 to 6 years, Adharshila – National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education focuses on competency-based learning through engaging lesson plans and activities. The curriculum emphasizes the use of indigenous toys and low-cost materials, making education accessible and culturally relevant. The structured annual plan is designed to facilitate learning in a phased manner, ensuring children grasp fundamental concepts through interactive play, reinforcement, and reflection.
By equipping Anganwadi workers with essential skills and resources, Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi is laying a strong foundation for early childhood education in India. The initiative reflects a deep commitment to nurturing young minds, ensuring that children receive the care, education, and nutrition they need to thrive.
