Punjab Minister Holds Key Meeting on Pre-Primary Education and Anganwadi Issues

Under the chairmanship of Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, an important meeting was held with senior officials of the Department of Education to discuss the development of pre-primary children and various departmental issues in detail.

During the meeting, Dr. Baljit Kaur listened to representatives of various unions of Anganwadi workers. Their main demands included granting Anganwadi workers the status of pre-nursery teachers and the return of children aged 3 to 6, who were shifted to government primary schools in 2017, to Anganwadi centers.

The Minister of Social Security and Women and Child Development discussed the demands of the Anganwadi Unions in detail with senior officials of the Education Department. The Minister assured the union members that all possible efforts will be made to fulfill each of their legitimate demands.

The Minister further emphasized that the period from 0-6 years is crucial for every child, as it is when they need the most physical, emotional, psychological and social support, laying the foundation for their future. Therefore, she directed the department to form committees comprising District Education Officers (Primary) and District Program Officers under the leadership of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) at the district level. These committees will visit the Anganwadi centers in their respective districts and submit a report within a week regarding their basic needs.

Reiterating the commitment of the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Cabinet Minister stated that while the government is striving for the welfare of all sections of society, it is also continuously working for the development of children.

Present at the meeting were Special Chief Secretary of Social Security, Women and Child Development Mrs Raji P. Shrivastava, Administrative Secretary of School Education Mr. Kamal Kishor Yadav, Director of Social Security, Women and Child Development Dr. Shena Aggarwal, and other senior officers.