Context:
- The Rajya Sabha debated a resolution urging the Union government to amend the Constitution to strengthen early childhood development.
- The proposal seeks insertion of a new Article 21B to ensure free and compulsory Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for children aged 3–6 years.
- The discussion aligns with India’s broader goals of social justice, human capital formation, and foundational learning reforms.
Key Highlights:
Proposed Constitutional Amendment
- Introduction of Article 21B in the Constitution of India.
- Guarantees free and compulsory ECCE for children in the 3–6 years age group.
- Extends the constitutional vision beyond Article 21A, which currently covers children aged 6–14 years only.
Universal Access through Anganwadi System
- Resolution emphasizes strengthening Anganwadi services as the primary delivery mechanism.
- Anganwadis envisioned as hubs for:
- Pre-primary education
- Nutrition supplementation
- Basic health and care services
Holistic Nature of ECCE
- ECCE under proposed Article 21B includes:
- Early learning and school readiness
- Nutrition support
- Health and child care services
- Focus on integrated development of cognitive, physical, emotional, and social skills.
Rationale for Constitutional Status
- ECCE recognized as critical for:
- Brain development in early years
- Reducing learning inequalities
- Improving long-term educational outcomes
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Lack of constitutional guarantee for education and care below 6 years.
- Causes:
- Unequal access to quality pre-school education
- Fragmented ECCE service delivery
- Government Initiatives:
- ICDS scheme and Anganwadi services
- NEP 2020 focus on foundational learning
- Benefits:
- Improved nutrition and health outcomes
- Better school preparedness
- Challenges:
- Infrastructure gaps in Anganwadis
- Shortage of trained ECCE educators
- Impact:
- Strengthens equity and inclusion in early education.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Constitutional Provisions:
- Article 21A: Free and compulsory education (6–14 years).
- Proposed Article 21B: Free and compulsory ECCE (3–6 years).
- Conceptual Clarity:
- ECCE: Integrated approach combining education, nutrition, and health.
- Social Justice Dimension:
- Reduces inter-generational inequality.
- Enhances outcomes for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Way Forward:
- Constitutional backing for ECCE through Article 21B.
- Capacity-building and professional training of Anganwadi workers.
- Enhanced funding, monitoring, and quality standards.
- Greater convergence between education, health, and women & child development sectors.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS 2: Polity, Constitutional Amendments, Social Justice
- Prelims: Constitutional Articles, ECCE, Anganwadi system