Private organizations are upgrading government-run Anganwadis into preschools, but funding gaps and fairness issues persist. Non-profits like Pratham Education Foundation and Reliance Foundation are transforming these centers, offering improved infrastructure and training for Anganwadi workers.
Anganwadis Enhanced by NGOs
Anganwadi worker Jyotsna Gaikwad leads a classroom of 30-35 children at the Ghotsai village center in Thane, near Mumbai. The center now features modern amenities, including a smart TV, a library, and child-friendly furniture, funded by Reliance Foundation. Pratham Education Foundation provides early childhood education training to Gaikwad and other Anganwadi workers.
This transformation aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to universalize pre-primary education. The NEP designates Anganwadis as crucial for early childhood education, moving beyond their traditional nutrition and health roles.
Government’s Role and Challenges
The Indian government recognizes the importance of early childhood care and education (ECCE). The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) oversees Anganwadis, while the Ministry of Education manages schools. However, a formal research and training mechanism for early education and limited financial support hinder progress.
This gap is being filled by private organizations that assist in curriculum development, training, and infrastructure upgrades. These efforts face challenges in sustainability and equitable scaling without increased government commitment.
‘Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi’ Initiative
The government launched the ‘Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi’ scheme in 2023 to enhance the quality of education in Anganwadis. This program includes training sessions for master trainers and Anganwadi workers. As of July 2023, over 5.62 lakh workers had undergone training.
The NEP recommends longer training periods for educators. A 2024 report indicates that only about 2.9 lakh of India’s 14 lakh Anganwadis are co-located with primary schools, impacting access to preschool education. Data shows over 20% of children entering Class 1 lack preschool experience.
Private Sector Intervention
Private education organizations are partnering with state governments to improve Anganwadi services. They provide training and monitoring personnel. Pratham establishes ‘Anganwadi Learning Labs’ in clusters of 25-30 centers for training and as exemplary units.
Organizations also engage parents and villagers through ‘mata gut’ (mother groups) and community events. Rocket Learning, for instance, claims a significant improvement in learning outcomes for children in its programs, with 70% ready for class compared to 50% elsewhere.
Funding Shortfalls Persist
Despite private sector involvement, government funding for early childhood development programs remains low. A report indicates central government spending on ECD programs has hovered around 0.7% of the total budget, or 0.12% of GDP, between 2020-21 and 2024-25. Spending on early learning programs increased nominally but may be stagnant when adjusted for inflation.
Experts advocate for increased government funding for infrastructure, materials, and staff training. They stress that private efforts alone cannot ensure equitable access to quality early childhood education, particularly in remote areas.
Anganwadi Worker Concerns
Anganwadi workers express mixed feelings about their expanded roles. While enthusiastic about new educational activities, some anxiety exists regarding subservience to school educators. Many workers remain concerned about the lack of regularization for their services and stagnant honoraria.
Kanta Dhumal, an Anganwadi worker, highlights the high workload and insufficient funds for basic necessities. She states that workers often perform duties beyond regular hours and require their services to be regularized. The financial support for materials is often inadequate, necessitating reliance on community donations.
Impact on Education and Future
The shift in Anganwadi focus is being noticed by parents, though confidence in the transition to formal schooling remains cautious. The success of universalizing early childhood education depends on increased government investment and improved coordination between relevant ministries.