Early childhood education takes center stage with a vision for a developed nation

In a strategic move to propel India towards a developed nation by 2047, NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyan has underscored the pivotal role of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Emphasising the urgency of the matter, Subrahmanyan highlighted that the majority of the future workforce, crucial for India’s growth trajectory, is already born and in dire need of quality education.

Addressing a national conference on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) called Udaan 2024, organised by Rocket Learning, an ed-tech non-profit advocating for equitable access to quality early education, Subrahmanyan detailed the significance of ECE in the grand vision for India@2047. He disclosed that ECE has emerged as a top priority area in the comprehensive presentation made before Prime Minister Narendra Modi on various sectors, delineating the roadmap for India’s development.

The CEO of NITI Aayog disclosed that discussions during the presentation encompassed various topics, with early childhood education standing out prominently. He further revealed that the urgency surrounding ECE was paramount, considering that the country’s burgeoning youth population, constituting the future workforce, already exists. Subrahmanyan urged a swift focus on ECE, citing the need for quality education to harness the potential of the youth.

While recognising historical efforts, Subrahmanyan acknowledged that programs catering to children aged 0 to 6, including the Integrated Child Development Scheme, have evolved over the years, with a recent emphasis on supplementary nutrition and related health components. He commended the Department of Women and Child Development for refocusing on ‘Poshan Bhi and Padhai Bhi,’ a step towards reinstating a balance that includes early childhood education.

NITI Aayog proposed a dedicated cadre of approximately 14 lakh early childhood educators to address the education component at Anganwadi centers. He stressed the need for scaling up efforts and drawing inspiration from successful models in various states to implement ECE nationwide.

As India accelerates its march towards development, the spotlight on early childhood education emerges as a crucial factor in shaping the country’s future workforce and overall growth trajectory.