Aama Kuni Pilaa

Description
The scheme “Aama Kuni Pilaa” has been launched by the Department of Women & Child Development, Government of Odisha. It aims to focus on early stimulation and responsive parenting in the best interest of each child from 0-3 years. As the name "Aama Kuni Pilaa” suggests, the unconditional care and affection of parents, grandparents and caregivers for the children is the driving force for the conceptualisation of this unique initiative. Early experiences with mother, father and grandparents shape lifelong learning and development of children, because of rapid brain development. 80% of the brain develops by three years, and stimulating experiences with caregivers strengthen the neural connections, promoting the holistic development of the child. Objectives: The scheme envisages promoting parent-led, home-based, joyful child-friendly learning by creating an early stimulating environment at the household level. It aims at: - Building capacities by engaging parents and caregivers on responsive parenting messages using different platforms. - Skill building of ICDS officials/ caregivers on importance of early years, play and learning activities for children. - Sensitizing the parents, care givers and the entire community on importance of early years. Involvement of father & male care givers through Men-streaming. - Engaging young children with low cost contextual and child friendly toys by the parents & caregivers. - Facilitating love, talk, touch & play through toys, lullabies, stories and interactive talk and activity with children below three years by the Anganwadi worker. - Equity outreach through appropriate parent & caregiver friendly IPC, IEC/ SBCС materials.

Exclusions
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Benefits
• The key components of the scheme are as listed below:

Eligibility Criteria
1. The beneficiary must be a child aged 0 to 3 years, residing in Odisha.
2. All children in the 0–3 years age group who are enrolled in the Poshan Tracker shall be considered as the targeted beneficiaries under this scheme.
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Required Documents
• Birth certificate of child
• Any other documents (as per the requirement)

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can benefit from this scheme?
A: Families with children aged 0–3 years, identified through their local Anganwadi Centre, are the main beneficiaries.
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Q: How are children enrolled in this programme?
A: Children are identified via Anganwadi Workers who interact with parents and caregivers and include eligible children listed at the Anganwadi Centre.
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Q: What does the scheme provide for children?
A: It provides a monthly pictorial “Kuni Calendar” and a low-cost, child-friendly Toy Kit to support age-appropriate learning and play.
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Q: What is the “Kuni Calendar”?
A: It’s a monthly calendar with pictorial guidance on stimulating activities tailored to a child’s age group (0–1, 1–2, and 2–3 years) covering development areas like motor, language, psychosocial, and creative skills.
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Q: What is in the Toy Kit?
A: The Toy Kit contains low-cost, safe, and appropriate toys made at the Anganwadi Centre with guidance, to help children engage in play-based learning.
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Q: Who makes the toys in the Toy Kit?
A: AWWs (Anganwadi Workers) coordinate with parents, the Matru Committee, and the community to prepare the toys locally.
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Q: Do fathers or male caregivers take part in the scheme?
A: Yes, the scheme emphasizes “men-streaming,” encouraging fathers and male caregivers to participate in child stimulation and toy-making.
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Q: If my child is 2.5 years old, can we still benefit?
A: Yes, children in the 0–3 years age group are included, and they receive the relevant calendar and Toy Kit materials.
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Q: What is “Ankur Diwas”?
A: It is the monthly day when the Anganwadi Worker meets parents and caregivers to give them the Kuni Calendar and share guidance on its use.
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