The first six years in a child's life are crucial. It is in these years that the physical, cognitive, language and social development of the child is at its peak. Investment in early childhood care and education is essential.
Investing in early childhood care and education means providing comprehensive maternal care and entitlements, provision of crèches, child care, nutrition, immunisation and health care, pre-school education, protection and care to children, and creating child care services to release girls from sibling care responsibilities, so that they can go to school and get an education.
It is estimated that India today requires 800,000 crèches for its children. Against this, there are only 14,925 crèches, which leaves an enormous gap.
