Lok Sabha Question No. 3452 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: Improvement in Condition of Anganwadis
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: DODDAALAHALLI KEMPEGOWDA SURESH, NALIN KUMAR KATEEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3452 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.03.2018

## IMPROVEMENT IN CONDITION OF ANGANWADIS

## 3452. SHRI D. K. SURESH:

## SHRI NALIN KUMAR KATEEL:

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  it  is  true  that  enrolment  in  un-aided  pre-nursery  institutions  are  increasing gradually  in  the  country  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  for  the  rural  and  urban  areas during the last three years;
- (b) whether the Government is also aware that enrolment in Anganwadis and Balwadis in the  country  is  declining  gradually  in  comparison  to  private  un-aided  pre-nursery institutions and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the measures taken by the Government to improve the conditions of Anganwadis and Balwadis  to  encourage  parents  to  enroll  their  children  them  and  if  so,  the  details thereof; and
- (d) whether  it  is  true  that  the  funds  allocated  to  pre  primary  institutions  are  very inadequate  to  meet  the  needs  of  the  institutions  and  if  so,  the  corrective  measures taken in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR)

- (a) :  No such data of un-aided pre-nursery institutions is being maintained in this Ministry.
- (b) :  Anganwadi Services Scheme is a unique early childhood development program aimed at addressing health, nutrition and developmental needs of children under the age of six years.  Pre-primary  School  Education  through  play-way  method  is  one  of  the  services provided under the scheme. These services are provided to any beneficiary who comes to the  Anganwadi  Centre  (AWC).  The  Scheme  is  universal  but  self-selecting.  As  on 08.02.2018,  307.44  lakh  beneficiaries  have  availed  Pre-School  Education  (PSE)  at  the AWC.
- (c) &  (d):      The  Ministry  has  notified  the  National  Early  Childhood  Care  &  Education (ECCE) Policy on 27.09.2013. The Policy clearly lays down basic non-negotiable quality standards  to  be  followed  by  all  ECCE  service  providers.  The  standardized  facilities envisaged in the Policy inter alia, relate to building and infrastructure; safety and security aspects; pupil-teacher interaction; caregiver; child ratio; learning experiences planned for children; health, nutrition and protection measures; qualification and professional development of staff; parent and community involvement and organisation and management  of  the  ECCE  provision.  For  ensuring  optimal  development  of  children,

National  ECCE  Curriculum  Framework  and  Quality  Standards  for  ECCE  has  been notified  and  circulated  to  all  States/UTs  on  23rd  January,  2014.  Ministry  of  WCD  has released the following documents on 01.09.2017:

- i. Activity Books for 3-4 years old children
- ii. Activity Books for 4-5 years old children
- iii. Activity Books for 5-6 years old children
- iv. Recommended list for Play and Learning Material (PSE Kit)
- v. Child Assessment Card

The above documents have been circulated to all States/UTs for wide dissemination upto the pre-primary school level with minor modifications, if required. The funds allocated to the States for ECCE are sufficient. During 2017-18, the per AWC allocation for PSE has been increased from Rs.3,000/- to Rs.5,000/- p.a.

***********