Nurturing Children's Well-Being
In the journey towards nurturing the well-being of India's children, significant strides have been made in improving health and nutrition outcomes in the past. Yet, despite continuous improvement in health and nutrition-related child outcomes in India in the last decade, sub-optimal developmental outcomes still prevail due to multiple risk factors. Overcoming these risks depends on a supportive policy environment and implementation across relevant sectors to achieve universal coverage for all children and their families, especially those at-risk and those already affected by developmental disorders/disability. Several national policies articulate the multi-dimensional and multisectoral vision for achieving early childhood development (ECD), focusing on the first 1000 days and reaching the most vulnerable children.
No denying that the first six years of a child have great and lasting influence on the quality of life of a human being. The health, nutrition, education, and development opportunities given to a child at this stage determine, to a large extent, his or her health and wellbeing for the entire lifetime. But this group is also a neglected group and get low priority in policies, programmes and budget in spite of data showing need for more investments.
At the heart of early childhood policies lies the imperative to ensure equitable access to high-quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) programs. By prioritizing access to quality ECEC, policies lay the groundwork for future learning and success irrespective of socio-economic backgrounds.
Addressing healthcare and nutrition in a child’s early years lays the foundation for lifelong well-being. The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme - a national flagship programme, dedicated to children under six, is a major initiative in this regard. It aims to meet their holistic needs through health, education, and nutrition services. Challenges include providing preschool education while combating malnutrition and health issues. Despite challenges, ICDS plays a vital role in breaking the cycle of morbidity and mortality, promoting better learning outcomes and resilience. In NFHS 5 (National Family Health Survey 2019-20), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has declined across states; Assam notably decreased from 48 to 32 deaths per 1,000 live births. However, malnourishment is rising, especially in children under 5. Stunting increased in 11 states, while severe wasting rose in 13 states. Stunted or wasted children are more susceptible to illnesses. Underweight children increased in 11 states, with Bihar and Gujarat having over 40 per cent underweight children. Despite IMR improvements, nutritional challenges persist, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Thus, Government has accorded high priority to the issue of malnutrition and is implementing several schemes like Anganwadi Services, Scheme for Adolescent Girls, and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) under the Umbrella Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme as direct targeted interventions to address the problem of malnutrition in the country. Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition are treated at the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Further, POSHAN Abhiyaan was launched to reduce malnutrition in the country by adopting a synergised and result oriented approach.
Similarly, early childhood education lays the groundwork for lifelong learning and success by focusing on the development of foundational literacy and numeracy skills. These skills, encompassing basic reading, writing, and arithmetic abilities, are essential for children to thrive academically and socially. As highlighted by UNICEF, the proficiency in these foundational skills significantly impacts children's educational trajectory, with deficiencies posing challenges that persist into adolescence and beyond. In India, despite the increasing enrolment rates, there is a concerning gap in the acquisition of these fundamental skills.
Despite the implementation of various policies and frameworks aimed at enhancing early childhood education in India, including the National Early Childhood Care and Education (NECCE) Policy (2013), the National Early Childhood Care and Education Curriculum Framework (2014), and the Framework for Implementation of Samagra Shiksha, concerns persist regarding the quality of education provided at this stage. There is limited evidence to assess whether young children are adequately supported in acquiring the foundational skills and abilities crucial for their future success in school and beyond. There were alarming findings from ASER 2022 (Annual Status of Education Report), with the enrolment rate for primary schools stands at the highest it has ever been in Indian education history at 98.4 per cent. However, only 42.8 per cent of grade five students are able to read at grade level text.
The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) rightly underscores the criticality of foundational literacy and numeracy, emphasizing that without these basic competencies, subsequent educational initiatives become futile. The establishment of a National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy by the Ministry of Education, as recommended by NEP, reflects the recognition of early childhood education's pivotal role in laying the groundwork for academic achievement and lifelong learning.
Every child deserves equal opportunity, regardless of socio-economic status. Policies prioritizing equity ensure all children access necessary resources for their wellbeing. By addressing systemic barriers, they create equitable societies. Continuous assessment ensures effectiveness and identifies areas for improvement. Mechanisms must span all levels from local to national, with rigorous monitoring. Adequate budgets are crucial to support these initiatives, recognizing early childhood's pivotal role in shaping and nurturing children’s wellbeing.
