CHANDIGARH: With the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann reaffirming its commitment to the holistic development of children, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur on Wednesday announced the launch of an online registration portal for Play-Way schools during a media conference held at Punjab Bhawan.
Addressing the media, Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. 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 has been taken to ensure effective monitoring of children’s education, safety and overall development.”
The Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister informed that a uniform curriculum is 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-February. Instead of burdening children with books, education will be imparted through play-based and creative activities,” the Minister said.
Highlighting the importance of early childhood care, Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “Nearly 90 percent of a child’s brain development takes place between the ages of zero and six years. Therefore, providing quality education and proper nutrition during this crucial period is a top priority of the Punjab Government.”
She further stated that under Mission Aarambh, parents have been actively connected with their children’s daily learning process. “By sharing digital content, children are being encouraged to learn with their parents at home as well. So far, 2,941 parent groups have been formed under this mission to strengthen parental participation in children’s cognitive development. Parents are also being sent daily activities on their phones so that they can actively participate in the learning process of their children at home,” she said.
Speaking about infrastructure development, the Minister stated, “Under the target of constructing 1,000 new Anganwadi centres, 1,000 modern Anganwadi centres are being developed at a cost of ₹100 crore, with approximately ₹10 lakh being spent on each centre. Out of these, 700 centres have already been completed with well-ventilated rooms, proper kitchens, baby toilets, Bala paintings and modern furniture. The remaining 300 centres will also be completed soon.”
Concluding, Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “The Punjab Government is taking historic steps in the fields of education, nutrition and safety to ensure a secure and bright future for our children.”
