Save ICDS Movement Raises Concerns Over Education Department's New Policy
Bengaluru: The Save ICDS
Movement addressed concerns over an Education Department circular introducing
LKG-UKG education in government schools for children aged 4 to 6 years at the
Press Club on Monday. This initiative, currently implemented in 2524 schools
across the state, threatens the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and
the Anganwadi centers that have been providing early childhood education and
nutrition since 1975.
They argued
that the new scheme disrupts the holistic approach to early childhood care and
education (ECCE) provided by Anganwadis. The movement highlighted that only
children aged 3-4 will now attend Anganwadis, reducing their numbers and
leading to the program's collapse.
Key recommendations
from the Save ICDS movement include the suspension of orders by the Education
and Women & Child Development Departments, establishing an expert committee
to evaluate the implications of the new education policy, and renaming
Anganwadi centers as 'Purva Primary Education Centers'. Other suggestions
involve enhancing Anganwadi facilities, continuous training for workers,
providing school uniforms and supplies, and ensuring proper legislation to
safeguard ECCE education within Anganwadis.
Movement leaders
T. R. Chandrasekhara, Vijayamma, and others underscored the importance of a
democratic dialogue between the concerned departments and urged for immediate
government action to prevent the ICDS program's disintegration and to secure
the future of early childhood education in the state.Be