AI SummaryCentral government launched Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi Scheme on 10 May 2023 to strengthen Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) through the Anganwadi network. The scheme trains Anganwadi workers so they can deliver both nutrition and early education services to children below six years of age, including divyang children. This article explains the complete details of Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi Yojana.
Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi is a key part of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, and it matches the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The aim is to build the world's largest, universal, high-quality preschool network through Anganwadi Centres, where nutrition and early education work together for the complete growth of a child.
About Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi Scheme 2026
The main aim of Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi scheme is to turn every Anganwadi into a learning centre with good infrastructure, play equipment and well trained Anganwadi workers. Ministry of Women and Child Development runs this programme, and it focuses on building the skills of Anganwadi workers so they can offer proper early childhood care and education to children below six years of age.
As of March 2026, more than 10 lakh Anganwadi workers have been trained under this scheme. The government has also approved the upgradation of two lakh Anganwadi Centres into Saksham Anganwadis, and by 25 March 2026 around 1.04 lakh centres had already been upgraded with better infrastructure and learning facilities.
ECCE in line with NEP 2020
Early Childhood Care and Education is a very important part of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, and it was planned under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. When the scheme was launched, the Ministry said there are over 1.17 lakh mini-Anganwadi centres across India, which the government is trying to upgrade into full-fledged centres.
To make sure every child gets good care, education and nutrition, the Ministry has prepared two curriculum frameworks under this scheme. Navchetana is the national framework for early childhood stimulation for children from birth to 3 years, while Aadharshila is the national curriculum for early childhood care and education for children from 3 to 6 years. Both focus on the screening, inclusion and referral of children with disabilities.
Need for Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi Scheme
Around 1.39 million Anganwadi centres across the country provide supplementary nutrition and early care and education. This covers about 80 million children under the age of 6 years, making it the largest public service of this kind in the world. Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi scheme targets the development of children in every area mentioned in the National Curriculum Framework, including physical and motor development, cognitive development and socio-emotional-ethical development.
Two Tier Training Model
Capacity building of Anganwadi workers is the first step in turning an Anganwadi into a learning centre. Under this programme, the Ministry follows a Two Tier Training Implementation Model, and NIPCCD handles the training through its headquarters in New Delhi and five regional centres across the country.
STEP 1 - In the first tier, State Level Master Trainers, which include CDPOs, Supervisors and State-Nominated Additional Resource Persons, are trained for 2 days in a hybrid model that combines online and offline sessions.
STEP 2 - In the second tier, these trained Master Trainers run a 3-day training workshop in physical mode for Anganwadi workers across the country.
Highlights of Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi Scheme
Here are the main points of the scheme in a simple table.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi Yojana |
| Launched By | Ministry of Women and Child Development |
| Launch Date | 10 May 2023 |
| Beneficiaries | Children under 6 years, Anganwadi workers |
| Main Aim | Strengthen Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) |
| Official Website | wcd.gov.in |
FAQ's
What is Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi Yojana?
Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi Yojana is a central government scheme launched in May 2023 to strengthen early childhood care and education through Anganwadi centres by training Anganwadi workers.
Who runs Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi Scheme?
Ministry of Women and Child Development runs this scheme, and it is a part of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
Is Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi Scheme still running in 2026?
Yes, the scheme is still running. More than 10 lakh Anganwadi workers have been trained under it, and the government is upgrading Anganwadi centres into Saksham Anganwadis as part of the same mission.