Has Odisha become a role model for its initiative in MT based Early Childhood Education?

BHUBANESWAR: “Early Childhood Care and Education builds the foundation for lifelong learning and development, and has far reaching impact on the development of a child says Mr. K. Krishnan, Convenor, South India of National Advocacy Council for Development of Indigenous People (NACDIP). Discussing at a National Consultation on Mother tongue based Early Childhood in Bhubaneswar today Mr. K. Krishnan brought focus to investing on young tribal children who would then contribute to development of a nation.

The current state of the flagship ICDS in the country is in a pitiable state in tribal areas therefore there was discussion by NACDIP representatives from 13 tribal dominated states of India to demand and lobby with the GoI to create a policy for the young children from tribal communities. Speaking at the consultation Ms. Dharitri Patnaik, India Representative of a Netherlands based foundation Bernard van Leer Foundation, working with young children said “We have progressive policies in place but they are severely impaired by the implementation gaps therefore there is an ardent need for resource allocation for our children from marginalised sections. Mother tongue based early childhood education for young tribal children in India needs a separate plan.”

NACDIP has been lobbying with the Government of India to demarcate a separate chapter on Early Childhood Education of tribal children. They have successfully been able to influence the policy makers due to which major recommendations have been taken in the draft ECCE policy by the WCD department (GoI).

Speaking at the consultation Krishnan says “Today the government would look up to the model established by the NGO PREM in Odisha, running 500 centres focusing on Mother tongue based Early Childhood Education in tribal areas where 15,000 children have successfully transited into the mainstream.” “The recent directive by the Chief Secretary Mr. Bijoy Patnaik to develop curriculum in tribal languages gives a positive signal and places Odisha as a role model at a Central level.” Said Ms. Bidulata Huika from Odisha Adivasi  Manch. 

Speaking at the consultation the NACDIP Convenor Mr. Jacob Thundyil said “Invest in children and you would build the ideal world that you always dreamt about”. It’s time we come prioritise for our children especially tribal children.