High level committee to be constituted for pre-school education and child care

Shimla : A high level committee under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary would be constituted to look into better coordination between the Women and Child Development Department and Elementary Education Department for imparting pre-school education and child care to the children between the age group of 3-6 years.It was decided in the meeting held here today during presentation on ‘Early Child Care Education in Himachal Pradesh’, which was chaired by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.Chief Minister said that it was mandate of the Women and Child Development Department to cater to nutrition and health needs of children below 6 years. He said that about 18925 Anganwadi Centres in different parts of the State were acting as hub of convergence. He said that 3134 Anganwadi Centres were functioning in government primary schools in the State.Jai Ram Thakur said that supplementary nutrition to the children in form of hot cooked meal was being provided in Anganwadi Centres under Integrated Child Development Services and early child care education. He said that the early child care education programme was aimed at holistic development of the children and has been integrated with the Poshan Abhiyan.Chief Minister said that under early child care education, children are taught basic concepts through simple, interesting play way methods, sound, colour, fruits, vegetables, number etc.Jai Ram Thakur also released pocket diary brought out by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department highlighting various schemes launched by the department. Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said that presently 3740 primary schools of the state were running pre-primary classes. Social Justice & Empowerment Minister Dr. Rajiv Saizal gave their valuable suggestions on the occasion.Additional Chief Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment Nisha Singh welcomed the Chief Minister.Chief Secretary Anil Khachi, Principal Secretary Finance Prabodh Saxena, Secretary Education Rajeev Sharma, Director Women and Child Welfare Kritika Kulhari and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.