Patna: In a major step toward strengthening Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Bihar, has launched a large-scale training program titled ‘Poshan Bhi-Padhai Bhi’. The initiative aims to transform Anganwadi centers into vibrant early learning spaces by equipping Anganwadi Sevikas with structured, high-quality training.
The program was launched under the guidance of Ms Bandana Preyashi, Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, and will run from May 13 to May 31, 2025.
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Massive Participation Across the State
A total of 77,916 Anganwadi workers from 24 districts and 374 projects are participating in the training, making it one of the largest ECCE training drives in the country. Districts covered include Aurangabad, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, East & West Champaran, Gaya, Katihar, Kishanganj, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda, and many more.
Training is being conducted at the project level to ensure localized capacity-building and maximum participation.
Strengthening the ECCE Foundation
The primary objective of the program is to build the capacity of Anganwadi workers to deliver play-based, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences to children under 6 years of age. The initiative also emphasizes nutrition and foundational learning, two pillars critical to a child’s holistic development.
“This is not just a training, but a movement to make Anganwadi centers vibrant, inclusive, and nurturing spaces for every child in Bihar,” said an official from the Social Welfare Department.
Focus on Two Key Curricula
The training incorporates two flagship academic programs developed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development-
- Navchetna – Focused on early stimulation for children aged 0–3 years
- Aadharshila – A comprehensive ECCE curriculum for children aged 3–6 years
Each Anganwadi worker is being provided a training kit that includes the Aadharshila Weekly Calendar and Navchetna Monthly Curriculum, enabling them to implement structured learning modules in their centers.
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Training Topics Include Nutrition, Inclusion, and Development
Alongside foundational literacy and numeracy, workers are being sensitized on-
- Nutrition 2.0
- Empowered Anganwadi Framework
- Use of Nutrition Tracker
- Severe and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (SAM/MAM) Management
- Micronutrient Deficiency Awareness
Workers are also being trained in inclusive practices, gender sensitivity, emotional and cultural development, and creating safe and affectionate learning environments.
A Vision for the Future
This initiative reflects the Bihar government’s commitment to laying a strong foundation for a quality early education system across the state. By empowering Anganwadi Sevikas through this training, the state is ensuring that every child receives nurturing care, quality nutrition, and meaningful early learning opportunities.
