Challenges in Implementing Early Childhood Care and Education in Anganwadi Centres: A Case Study of Rangia Sub District of Kamrup District of Assam

Abstract

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) is essential for the cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional development of young children. In India, the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), along with the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS 2022), emphasizes the importance of providing quality ECCE through Anganwadi Centres to lay a strong foundation for children's overall growth and future learning. The study titled "Challenges in Implementing Early Childhood Care and Education in Anganwadi Centres: A Case Study of Rangia Sub Division of Kamrup District of Assam" examines the obstacles Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) face in delivering ECCE as outlined by NEP 2020. The research identifies key challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, a lack of essential classroom materials, insufficient indoor and outdoor play equipment, and irregular supplies of food and medical resources. Using a survey approach, the findings reveal that most AWCs in the Rangia Sub-Division are under-resourced, limiting their ability to provide the comprehensive educational experiences vital for early childhood development. The study advocates for targeted interventions, including better resource allocation, infrastructure upgrades, and improved training programs, to address these shortcomings and achieve the ECCE objectives set by NEP 2020 in the region.