Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty on Friday, December 12, 2025, proposed a resolution urging the government to introduce a Constitutional amendment that would add a new Article 21(b), guaranteeing free and compulsory early childhood care and education (ECCE) for all children aged 3 to 6. She made the announcement during the winter session of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha.
Opening her speech, Ms. Murty congratulated Anganwadi workers for their contributions, particularly in rural areas. She highlighted that the Anganwadi scheme has completed 50 years, recalling its launch in 1975 as the Integrated Child Development Scheme, which focused on pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children aged 0 to 6. She described it as an early form of ECCE that also addressed malnutrition.
Ms. Murty noted a significant development under the Vajpayee government in 2002, when the 86th Constitutional amendment granted children aged 6 to 14 the fundamental right to free and compulsory education. She added that a directive principle of state policy for ECCE was also introduced.
Calling education a “magic wand” capable of transforming lives, Ms. Murty emphasized that it not only benefits individuals but also strengthens society and contributes to the economy.
