Assam Government Rolls Out Cascading Training Programme for ICDS Workers

The Directorate of Women & Child Development (WCD), Government of Assam, in partnership with ITC Limited, has launched Phase II of a major initiative aimed at enhancing nutrition, early childhood care, education, and development (ECCED) through a cascading training model for ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) functionaries. This initiative falls under ITC’s flagship program, “Mission Sunehra Kal,” and was officially launched at the Assam Administrative Staff College in Khanapara.

The launch began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and formal welcome to dignitaries representing the WCD Department, ITC, and several notable academic and research organizations. The event marked the beginning of a widespread rollout across 11 districts in Assam. The goal of the initiative is to improve the quality and reach of ECCED and nutrition-related services to young children, especially during the critical first 1,000 days of life — a period recognized for its impact on long-term child development outcomes.

ITC Limited will lead the program’s implementation with active collaboration from YouthInvest Foundation and Vikramshila Education Resource Society. Together, they aim to introduce a structured, integrated service delivery system through the cascading training model. This model will empower ICDS functionaries at various levels by improving their skills, knowledge, and effectiveness in the field.

During the launch, researchers from IIT Guwahati presented key findings and data-driven insights related to ECCED interventions. Simultaneously, frontline ICDS workers shared real-life experiences, challenges, and successes in delivering early childhood services. These firsthand accounts helped highlight the practical realities of ECCED delivery in Assam’s rural and semi-urban areas.

Additionally, the event featured contributions from senior officials of the WCD, National Rural Health Mission-Assam, and Samagra Shiksha Mission-Assam. A panel discussion was held with participation from academic experts from institutions such as the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and the School of Continuing Education at IGNOU. The discussion explored ways to effectively merge academic research, field knowledge, and policy insight to further strengthen early childhood care systems.

The event culminated in the drafting of a joint action plan led by the Directorate of Women & Child Development. The plan focuses on building sustainable capacity among frontline ICDS workers in the 11 target districts. It emphasizes the importance of continuous training, mentorship, and monitoring to ensure that early childhood care services are delivered efficiently and with high quality.

This initiative reiterates the Assam Government’s strong commitment to child welfare and development. By addressing nutritional needs and promoting quality early education and care, the program aims to lay a strong foundation for the holistic growth of children in their formative years. Through collaborative efforts between government agencies, academic institutions, and implementation partners, the program hopes to drive meaningful change in community-level child development services across the state.