MoE, MoWCD Launches Guidelines to Co-Locate Anganwadi Centres with Schools

Current Context: On September 3, 2025, the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) jointly launched guidelines at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

• The aim is to ensure seamless transition from Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) at Anganwadi Centres to Grade 1 in primary schools.
• Two models proposed: physical co-location within school premises and mapping to nearest schools where space is limited.
• Priority given to AWCs lacking buildings, serving marginalised groups, or operating from rented spaces.
• Relocation norms: within 500m in urban areas and 1km in rural areas, with flexibility for states.
• The initiative integrates NIPUN Bharat Mission and Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, aligning ECCE with foundational literacy and nutrition goals.

Question:

Q.1 According to the relocation norms in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) guidelines, what is the maximum relocation distance allowed in urban areas?
a) 200 meters
b) 500 meters
c) 1 kilometer
d) 2 kilometers

Answer: b) Relocation norms specify a maximum of 500 meters in urban areas and 1 kilometer in rural areas, with flexibility for states.