Patna: The Bihar government on Friday launched a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for disability screening in children, marking a key milestone in strengthening early childhood development systems in the state. The initiative, rolled out by the Directorate of ICDS under the Social Welfare Department with technical support from UNICEF, was unveiled at a state-level workshop at Gyan Bhavan to conclude Poshan Pakhwada 2026.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister and Social Welfare Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav underscored the importance of inclusive development, stating that Poshan Pakhwada has evolved into a mass movement across Bihar. He said the newly launched disability screening framework would ensure early identification of children with special needs and timely intervention. “No child should be left behind in Bihar’s development journey,” he asserted.
Highlighting the need for convergence across sectors, Social Welfare Secretary Bandana Preyashi said the campaign has brought sustained focus on nutrition and early childhood care at the grassroots. She noted that anganwadi centres are increasingly emerging as hubs for early learning and women’s empowerment, backed by improved systems and infrastructure.
UNICEF Bihar Chief Monika Nielsen lauded the state’s commitment to early childhood development, pointing out that Bihar is home to nearly two crore children below six years of age. She described investments in early childhood as critical to long-term human capital development and highlighted UNICEF’s ongoing support under the Navchetana programme in districts like Araria and Purnea.
Earlier, ICDS Director Yogendra Sagar said the department is focused on strengthening frontline worker capacity and scaling evidence-based interventions. He added that the rollout of the Disability Screening Schedule (DSS) would bolster early detection systems across the state.
Key initiatives launched at the workshop included SOPs for disability screening and early identification, a dedicated WhatsApp community platform titled “ICDS: Hamare Bacche, Hamara Parivar” to enhance parental awareness, and the introduction of the DSS—a standardised tool to identify developmental delays and ensure timely referrals.
The event also saw Bijendra Prasad Yadav felicitating best-performing districts, projects and ICDS functionaries for their work during Poshan Pakhwada 2026. ‘Vidyarambh’ certificates were distributed, while children from anganwadi centres presented cultural performances themed around nutrition and child development.
UNICEF Nutrition Specialist Dr Antaryami Dash outlined key aspects of the disability protocol, emphasising early screening, caregiver awareness and robust referral systems.
The workshop brought together senior officials and development partners, including State Health Society Executive Director Amit Kumar Pandey, Mid-Day Meal Director Vinayak Mishra, Panchayati Raj Director Navin Kumar Singh, and ICDS Joint Director Bharati Priyamvada, reflecting a strong push for inter-departmental convergence.
Officials said the initiatives are expected to significantly strengthen Bihar’s early childhood ecosystem, with a sharper focus on inclusion, early detection and improved outcomes for children with developmental delays.
