Paper: GS – II, Subject: Society and Social Justice, Topic: Social Sector- Education, Issue: Role of play based learning.
Context:
Building a Viksit Bharat requires nurturing the potential of the youngest citizens.Anganwadis are placed at the heart of India’s development journey with a shift in focus from infrastructure to recognising the critical importance of early childhood care and education (ECCE).
Key Highlights:
Importance of Early Childhood Development:
- First six years are crucial for brain, cognitive, and emotional development.
- NEP 2020:
- 85% of brain development occurs before age 6. Therefore, NEP calls for structured early childhood education.
- Scientific evidence:
- Study at CMC Vellore: 18–24 months of ECCE enables IQ gains up to 19 points by age 5, 5–9 points by age 9.
- Global research (James Heckman): “The earlier, the better – and the smarter the return”.
- Returns on early childhood investment: 13–18%.
Anganwadis as Child’s First School:
- Traditionally seen only as nutrition centres are now being transformed into holistic early learning spaces.
- Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi Initiative:
- Converts Anganwadis into vibrant early learning hubs.
- Anganwadi workers trained in ECCE.
- Play-based & activity-based learning introduced using local and indigenous materials.
- Monthly ECCE Days institutionalised.
- Focus on nurturing curiosity, creativity, holistic growth.
Holistic Development Approach:
Significance for India’s Future:
- ECCE builds foundation for lifelong learning.
- It is critical for shaping human capital in a Viksit Bharat.
- Early investment in children builds smarter, healthier, and productive population.
- Play is not luxury but policy spirit is essential for nation-building.
Conclusion:
India’s future depends on empowering its youngest citizens. Anganwadis and ECCE reforms ensure every child learns, grows and flourishes True realisation of “Viksit Bharat by 2047” lies in early investment in children.
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/play-based-learning-for-indias-future/article69979759.ece
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040
