📜 Article 45 of the Indian Constitution – Early Childhood Care & Education
🔍 Introduction
Article 45 of the Indian Constitution initially directed the State to provide free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14 years within ten years of the Constitution's commencement. However, it was later amended to focus on early childhood care and education.
🔹 Objective:
To ensure that all children get the foundation of education and care necessary for their development.
📌 Text of Article 45
"The State shall endeavor to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years."
This is a Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) and is not legally enforceable but acts as a guiding principle for governance.
⚖ Key Features of Article 45
1️⃣ Original Provision (Before 86th Amendment, 2002)
✅ Stated that free and compulsory education should be provided to all children up to 14 years of age.
✅ The goal was to ensure universal primary education within 10 years of the Constitution’s adoption.
✅ This provision led to several government initiatives, such as the National Policy on Education (1986, 1992).
2️⃣ After the 86th Constitutional Amendment (2002)
✅ The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, made education a fundamental right under Article 21A.
✅ Article 45 was amended to focus on early childhood care and education instead.
✅ Now, the State is responsible for providing preschool education to children below six years of age.
🏛 Implementation of Article 45 in India
📜 1. Government Schemes & Initiatives
📍 Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) (1975) – Provides preschool education and nutrition support.
📍 Mid-Day Meal Scheme (1995) – Encourages school enrollment and nutrition.
📍 Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (2001) – Promotes elementary education.
📍 National Education Policy (2020) – Focuses on early childhood education.
📜 2. Role of Anganwadi Centers
🏫 Anganwadi centers under ICDS provide preschool education, health, and nutrition services to children below 6 years.
📌 Importance of Early Childhood Education
✅ Benefits of Early Education (0-6 Years)
✔ Cognitive Development – Builds the foundation for learning.
✔ Social & Emotional Growth – Helps in personality development.
✔ Better School Readiness – Improves success in future education.
✔ Reduces Dropout Rates – Early education prevents future educational gaps.
❌ Challenges in Implementation
✖ Lack of Infrastructure – Many areas lack proper early education facilities.
✖ Shortage of Trained Teachers – Preschool education needs skilled educators.
✖ Regional Disparities – Rural areas often lack access to quality early education.
📌 Conclusion
Article 45 is a crucial part of India’s goal to ensure universal education. The 86th Amendment (2002) shifted its focus from primary education to early childhood care and education, recognizing the importance of a child’s formative years.
🚀 To fully achieve this goal, better infrastructure, teacher training, and awareness programs are essential.
📝 FAQs on Article 45
❓ What is Article 45 of the Indian Constitution?
🔹 It directs the State to provide early childhood care and education for children up to six years of age.
❓ How did the 86th Amendment change Article 45?
🔹 The amendment shifted its focus from free education up to 14 years to early childhood education up to 6 years.
❓ What is the difference between Article 45 and Article 21A?
🔹 Article 21A makes education a fundamental right for children aged 6-14 years, while Article 45 focuses on education before 6 years.
❓ What government programs support Article 45?
🔹 Programs like ICDS, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and National Education Policy (2020) focus on early childhood education.
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