Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: Department of Home Science and the Department of Sociology, University of Jammu (JU), have entered into a collaborative partnership with the Mission Directorate, POSHAN Jammu & Kashmir, to strengthen efforts in nutrition, early childhood care and community development in the Union Territory.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed by Sajad Hussain Ganai, Mission Director, POSHAN J&K, and Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar JU, in the presence of Prof Sarika Manhas, Head, Department of Home Science, and Prof Vishavraksha, Head, Department of Sociology. Also present on the occasion were Pankaj Kumar Anand, Programme Officer ICDS Jammu; Dr Malvika Sharma, Deputy Director POSHAN; Prof Samridhi Arora; Dr Hema Gandotra; Dr Sapna Sangra; and Kajal Kalsi.
The collaboration brings together the implementation strength of POSHAN J&K and the academic expertise, research capacity, and institutional credibility of the two departments. It aims to support ongoing initiatives under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) framework by strengthening Anganwadi Centres through academic inputs, field engagement, and community-based interventions.
Under the MoU, the departments will undertake research studies, need-based assessments, and documentation to promote evidence-based planning and policy support. The partnership will also focus on capacity building of Anganwadi workers and Helpers through training programmes, workshops, and development of knowledge resources, particularly in the areas of early childhood care and education (ECCE), maternal and child health, nutrition, sanitation, gender equity, and community development.
A key feature of the collaboration is the provision of experiential learning opportunities for students through internships, field visits, surveys, and extension activities, including the adoption of select Anganwadi Centres. This will enable students to engage with grassroots realities while contributing meaningfully to community development.
The implementation strategies under the MoU shall also emphasize the delivery of effective early childhood care and education (ECCE) to children in the 3–6 year age group enrolled in Anganwadi Centres, with the objective of enhancing their school readiness and holistic development.
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