Rashtriya Shishu Vikas Kendra!

“Rashtriya Shishu Vikas Kendra is an institutional unit working under/ in coordination with the Ministry of Child Development, Government of India.”

“The Rashtriya Shishu Vikas Kendra is a major Central Sector Scheme run by the Government of India, aimed at ensuring the holistic development of infants and young children in the country. This scheme is implemented through the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, and gives concrete shape to national priorities related to Early Childhood Development.”

“The concept of the Rashtriya Shishu Vikas Kendra is based on the fundamental principle that sustainable and inclusive development of the nation is possible only when infants and children are provided with proper health, nutrition, education, protection, and developmental opportunities from the very early stages of life. This institute functions as a coordinated framework, from policy formulation to on-ground implementation.”

“Constitutional and Policy Basis”

“The Rashtriya Shishu Vikas Kendra is inspired by the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution of India. In particular:”

• Article 15(3) – Special provisions for women and children

• Article 21A – Right to free and compulsory education

• Articles 39(e) and 39(f) – Protection of children’s health, strength, and dignity

• Article 47 – Improvement of nutrition levels and public health

“In accordance with these constitutional provisions, this scheme reflects the Central Government’s commitment to ensuring the protection, development, and welfare of the rights of infants and children.”

“Objective and Vision of the Scheme”

“The primary objective of the Rashtriya Shishu Vikas Kendra is to strengthen the physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, and social development of infants and children in an integrated and institutional manner. This scheme ensures that every child in the country, especially those from disadvantaged, vulnerable, and marginalized groups, has equal access to quality services.”

“The vision of the scheme is to create an efficient ecosystem in which all services related to infant and child development—health, nutrition, education, and protection—are coordinated with each other and work towards a common goal.”

“Key Areas of Work”

“Under the Rashtriya Shishu Vikas Kendra, work is carried out in the following key areas:”

“Infant and Child Health”

• Health screening and monitoring

• Maternal and infant health awareness

• Early intervention and referral services

“Nutrition and Dietary Support”

• Nutrition awareness programs

• Strategies for prevention of malnutrition

• Community-based nutrition counseling

“Early Childhood Education and Development”

• Promoting early education

• Conducting developmental activities

• Creating a learning-friendly environment

“Child Protection and Rights”

• Awareness of children’s rights

• Ensuring a safe and protected environment

• Protection of children in vulnerable situations

“Parental and Community Participation”

• Counseling services for parents

• Awareness campaigns at the community level

• Behavior Change Communication (BCC) activities

“Implementation Mechanism”

“This scheme is funded and guided by the Central Government and is implemented with the support of State Governments, Union Territories, district administrations, and local units. The Rashtriya Shishu vikas Kendra functions as a nodal agency, ensuring the scheme’s framework, guidelines, monitoring, and evaluation.”

“For the effective implementation of the scheme, capacity building, training, technical support, and data-driven decision-making systems are also given priority.”

“Monitoring, Evaluation, and Transparency”

“The Rashtriya Shishu vikas Kendra adopts a transparent, accountable, and results-oriented approach. Under this framework:”

• Regular progress reviews

• Monitoring and evaluation systems

• Use of information technology

• Focus on citizen-centric services

“The aim of these efforts is to ensure the timely and effective achievement of the scheme’s objectives.”

“Commitment to Inclusive and Sustainable Development”

“The Rashtriya Shishu Vikas Kendra is fully committed to the principles of inclusive development, equal opportunities, and sustainable development. This scheme specifically focuses on socially, economically, and geographically disadvantaged areas to ensure that no child is left out of the mainstream of development.”

• Ensuring Holistic Child Development: Strengthening all dimensions of physical, mental, intellectual, and social development in an integrated manner.

• Availability of Quality Services: Improving the quality of health, nutrition, education, and protection services and ensuring equal access for all children.

• Special Focus on Disadvantaged and Vulnerable Groups: Reaching services to the most sensitive groups in society and providing them inclusive opportunities.

• Protection of Child Rights and Awareness: Safeguarding children’s rights and increasing awareness among families and communities.

• Coordinated and Effective Program Implementation: Ensuring smooth coordination between policy, planning, and on-ground activities.

• Promoting Research and Innovation: Making the scheme more effective through the latest research and innovations related to child development.

• Sustainable and Inclusive Development: Creating a sustainable, safe, and inclusive child development ecosystem for all children.

Rashtriya Shishu Vikas Kendra is a leading institution dedicated to ensuring the holistic development of infants and children, working in alignment with the Government of India’s policies and programs related to child welfare.

The primary objective of the institute is to strengthen services related to health, nutrition, education, protection, and development during early childhood, with the aim of building a healthy, capable, and empowered future generation.

“The Rashtriya Shishu Vikas Kendra is an important initiative of the Central Government, working towards empowering the future of the country. Considering investment in infants and children as the foundation of nation-building, this scheme continuously strives to create a healthy, educated, and capable generation. Through a coordinated approach in policy, programs, and on-ground implementation, the National Institute of Child Development plays a significant role in the overall development of India.”