Chandigarh: To ensure effective monitoring of children’s education, safety and overall development, Punjab govt on Wednesday announced the launch of an online registration portal for all play-way schools and private schools imparting education to children below six years of age.Announcing the launch during a press conference here on Wednesday, Punjab minister for social security, women and child development Baljit Kaur said, “Registration on this portal will be mandatory for all play-way schools operating in Punjab, as well as for private schools imparting education to children below six years of age. This step was taken to ensure effective monitoring of children’s education, safety, and overall development.“She said a uniform curriculum was being prepared for children below six years of age, which will be implemented across anganwadi centres, play-way schools, and primary schools. “The training of anganwadi workers and supervisors will be completed by mid-Feb. Instead of burdening children with books, education will be imparted through play-based and creative activities,” she said.Highlighting the importance of early childhood care, the minister said, “Nearly 90% of a child’s brain development takes place between the ages of 0 and 6 years. Therefore, providing quality education and proper nutrition during this crucial period is a top priority of the Punjab govt.”She said, “Under Mission Aarambh, parents are actively connected with their children’s daily learning process. By sharing digital content, children are encouraged to learn with their parents at home as well. So far, 2,941 parent groups were formed under this mission to strengthen parental participation in children’s cognitive development. Parents are also sent daily activities on their phones so that they can actively participate in their children’s learning process at home.“Speaking about infrastructure development, she said, “Under the target of constructing 1,000 new Anganwadi centres, 1,000 modern Anganwadi centres are being developed at a cost of Rs 100 crore, with approximately Rs 10 lakh being spent on each centre. Out of these, 700 centres were completed with well-ventilated rooms, proper kitchens, baby toilets, Bala paintings, and modern furniture. The remaining 300 centres will also be completed soon.“
