Principal Secretary SWD emphasizes enhanced early education, nutrition under ECCE

SRINAGAR : Principal Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Anil Kumar Singh, today chaired a joint review meeting of the Social Welfare and School Education Departments to assess the implementation of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), in Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar, focused on enrolment trends and the functioning of Anganwadi Centres and Kindergarten Centres across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Principal Secretary laid emphasis on ensuring quality early education and adequate nutrition for children under ECCE, underscoring the importance of foundational literacy, physical development and socio-emotional growth before formal schooling begins. He reviewed the operational status of Anganwadi Centres and Bal Vatikas, highlighting the need for a holistic approach in nurturing young children.
Special attention was given to weeding out duplicate entries from the enrolment lists and ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries are covered under the ECCE framework.
During the meeting, the Principal Secretary also reviewed the physical and financial progress on ECCE-related activities. He directed the officials to intensify monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective on-ground implementation. He called for robust inter-departmental coordination, asking the officials from both the departments to work with sincerity and dedication to strengthen child development services and improve nutritional outcomes for children.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary, School Education Department, Director General, Women and Child Development, Secretary in Social Welfare Department, Mission Director, ICDS, Directors of School Education (Kashmir and Jammu); Directors of Social Welfare (Kashmir and Jammu) besides all DPOs and CEOs.