Authors : Swapnarani Mahapatra; Dr. Banshidhar Behera

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4mcpe7d5

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/59bzrdnw

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar1867

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Abstract : The National Education Policy (NEP) seeks to enhance foundational literacy and numeracy skills for young children, supporting effective Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in India. This paper aimed to examine the importance of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) for effective ECCE. This paper examines Government initiatives and implementation challenges, synthesizing existing literature to provide a comprehensive understanding. A comprehensive review of academic journals, policy documents and government reports are given priority in this study. Content analysis reveals importance of FLN, including essential foundation, academic success, empowerment and confidence, lifelong learning and practical life skills etc. The findings identify potential challenges, such as hurdles in ECCE, gaps in early literacy education, limited emphasis on working memory of children, shortage of trained teachers and resources etc. Furthermore, the study provides suggestions considering various reviews for addressing the emerging challenges and attainment of universal FLN skills among young children.

Keywords : Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, ECCE, NIPUN Bharat, NEP-2020.

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