Punjab Launches 'Small Steps, Big Development' for Kids

Punjab has initiated "Nikke Kadam, Vadda Vikas" (small steps, big development) to bolster early childhood development. This program emphasizes the crucial first 1,000 days, from conception to age two, for a child's foundational growth.

The initiative seeks to ensure proper nutrition, responsive care, and age-appropriate stimulation for every child. Parents of children up to three years will receive development report cards to track milestones. Anganwadi workers will perform monthly home visits, offering guidance and promoting play-based learning.

Furthermore, the government has enhanced preschool education by training 27,307 anganwadi workers on the Aadharshila curriculum. This training equips them to prepare children for formal schooling through activity-based learning. The 'Mission Aarambh' has already seen substantial parental involvement, with nearly 1.6 lakh parents joining a WhatsApp home-learning program.