Members of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. Image for illustration purposes only. | Photo credit: PTI
The Rajya Sabha on Friday debated a private member’s resolution moved by nominated MP Sudha Murty urging the Union government to consider steps to amend the Constitution to introduce a new Article 21B guaranteeing free and compulsory early childhood care and education (ECCE), including nutrition, health services and pre-primary education, for all children between the ages of three and six. The resolution also sought universal access to quality ECCE through strengthened Anganwadi services and asked the government to focus on ECCE for its central role in providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning and development.
“Children are our future. They are the rising sun. Their early education should be beneficial to their lives. Therefore, through you, sir, I request our government to consider amending our constitution which would provide the basic right to education from six to 14 years to three to 14 years,” Ms Murty said, moving the resolution.
The resolution was supported by MPs across political groups. The discussion was fruitless and will continue on the next occasion when private resolutions of the members will be adopted.
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni said governments should provide more financial assistance to anganwadis in urban areas so they can afford rent. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam member P. Wilson said that compulsory education cannot be restricted to the primary levels only. “It must be gradually expanded to cover all students up to Year 12 to ensure continuity, equity and universal access to quality education,” Mr Wilson said. Aam Aadmi Party member Swati Maliwal said that reforming Anganwadi services is not optional but imperative for the nation as they are the only available option for poor people.
Published – 12 Dec 2025 21:37 IST
