Patna: Anganwadi centres across Bihar are set to undergo major changes as the state government begins turning them into learning centres for young children. This move is part of the National Education Policy, which emphasises the overall development of children at an early age. Bihar currently has 115,064 Anganwadi centres, and more than 41 lakh children are enrolled in them. The government believes that these upgraded centres will help improve children’s nutrition, health and readiness for school.
A large number of Anganwadi workers have already been trained to support this transformation. According to officials, 102,921 workers have completed training focused on early childhood education. The programme was carried out in two phases. In the first phase, 35,409 workers from 13 districts were trained, while in the second phase, 67,512 workers from 25 districts received training. Each batch went through a three-day session that covered both nutrition and basic educational activities.
The training included information on caring for children aged three to six, the importance of good nutrition, and the rights of children with disabilities. These topics were selected to help workers better understand the needs of young children. Officials say that with better training and upgraded facilities, children will receive improved care and learning opportunities during their early years.
Social Welfare Department Secretary Vandana Preyshi said the government is committed to strengthening early childhood care and education. She added that efforts are being made to ensure all schemes designed for children reach every Anganwadi centre. According to her, the state has already taken several steps in recent years to modernise these centres, including plans to make them more like play schools. The current upgrade marks another major step in providing better facilities for children across Bihar.
