Odisha and Meghalaya Join Hands to Strengthen Early Childhood Care and Education
In a landmark step towards advancing Early Childhood Care, Education, and Development (ECCED), the governments of Odisha and Meghalaya have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster inter‑state collaboration.
The agreement emphasises holistic child development through nutrition, health, early learning, responsive caregiving, and community engagement. It also focuses on institutional capacity building to ensure sustainable outcomes.
The MoU was signed by Dr Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary of Meghalaya, and Ananta Narayan Singh Laguri, Commissioner‑cum‑Secretary of Odisha.
Senior officials, including D.K. Singh (Development Commissioner, Odisha), Shubha Sarma (Principal Secretary, Women & Child Development, Odisha), and Monisha Banerjee (Director, ICDS & Social Welfare) were present during the ceremony.
Both states bring unique strengths to the partnership. Odisha contributes its experience in community‑based, culturally responsive early childhood initiatives, while Meghalaya offers innovative approaches tailored to tribal and geographically challenging contexts.
The collaboration will include knowledge exchanges, joint research, exposure visits, and documentation of best practices.
Officials emphasised that the initiative will not only enhance equitable and inclusive early childhood outcomes but also align with national priorities for human capital development.
The partnership is expected to deliver tangible benefits for children, caregivers, and frontline workers across both states.
