1,03,940 Anganwadi Centres upgraded so far into Saksham Anganwadi Centres under Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Women and Child Development has upgraded 1,03,940 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) into Saksham Anganwadi Centres under the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme. This initiative aims to enhance nutrition and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) services for children aged 0-6 years. The implementation of the 'Aadharshila' curriculum and the 'Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi' initiative are key components, with training for Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) underway. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Upgraded Anganwadi Centres:** * 1,03,940 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) have been upgraded into Saksham Anganwadi Centres under the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme. * The purpose is to improve the delivery of nutrition and increase focus on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) services. * **Improvements and Facilities:** * Upgradation includes LED screens, audio-visual aids, Wi-Fi/Internet connectivity (where feasible), safe drinking water (filters/RO systems), BaLA paintings, age-appropriate ECCE learning materials, Poshan Vatikas, clean provision storage, and rainwater harvesting. * These improvements aim to create a safe, stimulating, and enabling environment for early learning. * **ECCE Implementation:** * For children aged 0-3 years, ECCE is delivered through structured Home Visits by Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) based on the ‘Navchetana - National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation'. * For children aged 3-6 years, ECCE is implemented at AWCs using a play and activity-based curriculum named ‘Aadharshila - National Curriculum for ECCE'. * **Anganwadi Worker Training:** * The ‘Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi’ (PBPB) initiative provides training to AWWs to enhance their capacity in delivering ECCE, nutrition, and health services. * As of March 9, 2026, 10,25,515 AWWs have been trained in round 1 of PBPB, covering early stimulation, learning activities (Navchetana), and play-based ECCE pedagogy (Aadharshila). * **Curriculum and Guidelines:** * ‘Aadharshila – National Curriculum for ECCE’ is based on the National Curriculum Framework-Foundational Stage (NCF-FS), 2022. * Guidelines for Co-locating Anganwadi Centres within Government Primary Schools were jointly launched on September 3, 2025. * If physical co-location is not possible, AWCs are to be mapped with the nearest primary school. * This approach aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. * **Outcomes:** * Ensures continuity between early learning at AWCs and formal schooling. * Optimizes resource utilization, promotes community participation, and facilitates a smooth transition from pre-school to primary school. **Impact Analysis** **Children aged 0-6 years** * **Impact:** Beneficiaries will receive enhanced nutrition and improved Early Childhood Care and Education services. The upgraded centres and new curriculum will provide a stimulating and enabling environment for their holistic development and school readiness. * **Action Required:** No direct action is required from the children; they will benefit from the implemented changes. **Anganwadi Workers (AWWs)** * **Impact:** AWWs will be trained on new curricula and pedagogical approaches ('Navchetana' and 'Aadharshila') to effectively deliver ECCE, nutrition, and health services. They will operate in upgraded facilities. * **Action Required:** Participate in and complete the training modules under the ‘Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi’ initiative. **Ministry of Women and Child Development & Department of School Education and Literacy** * **Impact:** Responsible for the implementation and oversight of the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme, the Aadharshila curriculum, and the co-location guidelines. * **Action Required:** Continue to oversee the implementation, monitor progress, and ensure the effective functioning of Saksham Anganwadi Centres and the co-location initiative. **Government Primary Schools** * **Impact:** May facilitate the co-location of Anganwadi Centres within their premises, potentially leading to shared resources and a more integrated approach to early childhood education. * **Action Required:** Cooperate with the co-location initiatives and integrate with AWCs where applicable, following the jointly launched guidelines.

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