Government adopting a whole-of-government approach to ensure convergence in the implementation of initiatives related to Early Childhood Care and Education

National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 recognizes 3 years of pre-school (Balvatika) as a continuum of education in the 5+3+3+4 structure. The initial '5' in restructured model is termed as Foundational Stage that consists of 3 years of pre-school (Balvatika) and 2 years of Grade-I and Grade-II. Both together cover the children of age of 3 to 8 years. It also acknowledges that children in the age group of 3 to 6 years are in Anganwadi Centres (AWCs).

A 3-months play based 'School Preparation Module and Guidelines' named 'Vidya Pravesh' was launched on 29^th July, 2021. The objective of Vidya Pravesh programme is to promote school preparedness in all children coming to Grade-I from diverse backgrounds like Balvatika, Anganwadi Centers (AWCs), Home and Private play schools etc. to ensure a smooth transition of children to Grade-I. This programme is being implemented across the country in the first 3 months of Grade 1.

The Government is adopting a whole-of-government approach to ensure convergence in the implementation of initiatives related to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). Balvatika, Anganwadi Centers (AWCs), Home and Private play schools etc. cater to the pre-school part of early learning for children of 3 to 6 years. Formal schooling starts from Grade-I.

In addition, guidelines for co-location of AWCs with Government primary schools were jointly issued on 3^rd September 2025 by the Department of School Education and Literacy and the Ministry of Women and Child Development to strengthen institutional linkages and facilitate a smooth transition of children from pre-school to formal schooling.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur in Rajya Sabha in reply to a question today.

****

SS