Aama Kuni Pilaa

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.

The key components of the scheme are as listed below:
Sl. No.ComponentsUnit CostSpecificationsUsagePoint of DistributionProcurement by1Kuni Calendar for children (0-3 years)₹1.53/- per calendar/month/childSize: 11.5" x 17" Paper: 220 gsm art paper Print: Multi colour single sideTo be used at household level by the families of children (0 - 3 year)One Calendar for each family having children (0 - 3 year)District2Aama Kuni Pilaa Toy Kit₹340/- (per AWC)As per CatalogueAWC level To be supplied to each AWCDistrict3Mo Bikash Patra (Child Assessment Card)NA-To be used at household level by the families of children (0- 3 year)One Card for each family having children (0-3 years)AWC4Aama Kuni Pilaa Flip BookNA-AWC level To be supplied to each AWC.District5Sukhada Lalana Palana handbookNA-AWC level To be given to AWCs.DistrictNote: The components mentioned above have been planned for 5 years. However, for current financial year i.e. 2023-24, funds shall be transferred for Activity-1 i.e Kuni Calendar which is to be printed and distributed for three months i.e. for January, February & March, 2024 and Activity-2 i.e. Aama Kuni Pilaa Toy Kit.
A. Kuni Calendar:
This is a calendar with pictorial demonstration of age and development specific stimulating activities facilitating different development components such as psycho-social, physical & motor, language, creative & aesthetic aspects. The Calendar is categorized for three age groups i.e. for less than one year, 1-2 years & 2-3. It shall be distributed each month by the AWW to the concerned parents during Ankur Diwas to ensure timely accessibility. The AWW would sensitise the parents and caregivers so that they can engage with their children and monitor its cognitive and physical development.
B. Toy Kit:
Funds for preparing toys at Anganwadi centres shall be released under Aama Kuni Pilaa scheme. DSWOs, shall share the guidelines and funds to CDPOs, who shall then transfer the same to the AWWs to prepare low cost and child friendly toys for under three children, in coordination with parents and community. The AWW would undertake due discussions with Matru Committee/ Jaanch committee/ parents to create awareness amongst them about the scheme and its benefits and also to keep them involved. A copy of the toy catalogue attached at Annexure-A to this guideline may be referred to while developing the Toy Kit guidelines at District level. Operation modalities and budget break up for toy preparation is attached at Annexure-B for your reference.
C. Training:
State level training on Aama Kuni Pilaa shall be organized at HETC, Bhubaneswar wherein all Als, retired officials such as CDPOs/ DSWOs and Freelancers shall be trained. Thereafter, the trained State Level resource personnel shall conduct physical training at district level. District level trainings for the CDPOs, LSs & AWWs shall be organized at AWW and Helper Training Centres of the District.

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.

Offline

The applicant/beneficiary must contact the nearest Anganwadi Centre or approach the Anganwadi Worker, ICDS officials, or the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) to avail the benefits under the scheme.
Notes:

• Families with children aged 0–3 years are identified through Anganwadi Centres by the Anganwadi Workers.
• The Anganwadi Worker conducts regular interactions with parents and caregivers to guide them on early stimulation and learning activities for children.
• The Kuni Calendar is distributed every month during Ankur Diwas to the concerned parents to ensure timely access to age-specific stimulation activities.
• Toy Kits are prepared at Anganwadi Centres using funds released through the District Social Welfare Officer to the Child Development Project Officer and then to the Anganwadi Worker.
• ICDS officials and Anganwadi Workers receive State-level and District-level training before carrying out community-based activities under the scheme.
• Continuous monitoring is carried out by Supervisors and Child Development Project Officers at the Sector, Block, District and State levels.
• The Anganwadi Worker maintains proper registers to record the stock of Toy Kits, Kuni Calendars and other materials supplied under the scheme.
• Good-quality photographs of activities, toy preparation, home visits and parent engagement sessions are taken and shared for documentation.
• Case studies are prepared every year and disseminated to highlight successful practices and outcomes.

1. Birth certificate of child
2. Any other documents (as per the requirement)

Note: The families with children aged 0-3 years are identified directly through Anganwadi Centres, and all activities (Kuni Calendar distribution, toy-kit preparation, home visits, and stimulation sessions) are conducted through the ICDS system.