Division

Division

Child Protection Vertical

NIPCCD has been designated as a Nodal Institute for capacity building of functionaries working under JJ System and Mission Vatsalya Scheme. The Institute has been playing a key role in organizing consultations, workshops, training programmes for building the capacity of Members of Juvenile Justice Boards & Child Welfare Committees, Child Welfare Police Officers of SJPUs, Child Helpline Functionaries, Programme Managers & Programme Officers of State Child Protection Society & State Adoption Resource Agency, District Child Protection Officers, Protection Officers (Institutional and Non-Institutional Care), Legal cum Probation Officers, Social Workers, functionaries of Child Care Institutions, PRIs, NGOs including District Magistrates on Mission Vatsalya Scheme, legislations concerning child protection, on various issues pertaining to child rights and protection i.e child trafficking, child labour, child marriage, etc.

The Institute has been organizing on an average 140 training programmes/ workshops/ consultations in a year for building knowledge base as well as enhancing capacities of functionaries working under the J.J System & Mission Vatsalya Scheme on child rights and child protection at National and Regional levels. The Institute also conducts research studies and prepares documentations on various issues pertaining to child rights.

Adolescent Mental Health Vertical

Adolescence is a critical period marked by physical, emotional, and psychological changes. NIPCCD recognizes the significance of addressing mental health issues among adolescents. The Vertical of Adolescent Mental Health emphasizes promoting positive mental health, preventing mental disorders, and providing support and interventions for adolescents facing mental health challenges. By collaborating with stakeholders and implementing evidence-based strategies, it aims to foster resilience and well-being among adolescents.

Recognizing the critical importance of mental well-being during the formative years, this vertical implements various schemes and programs aimed at promoting mental health awareness, providing support services, and fostering resilience among adolescents.

Additionally this vertical is also responsible for implementation and facilitation of schemes related to Divyang Children and Adolescent Girls. It collaborates with stakeholders to develop skill-building programs tailored to the needs of Divyang children AND Adolescent Girls. These initiatives aim to enhance their independence, self-confidence, and employability, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to society.

Also, through its extension units i.e. Adolescent Guidance Service Centre, Child Guidance Centre and Advance Diploma in Child Guidance and Counselling this Vertical provides counselling, guidance, and support services specifically tailored to the needs of adolescents. Promoting the psychological well-being and development of children, including those with special needs or behavioural difficulties is one of its core activities.

Women Empowerment and Safety Vertical

NIPCCD is committed to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls which was materialised in 1986 by setting up Women’s Development Division in the institution with a mandate to function as a policy arm to the Department of Women and Child Development in the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now Ministry of Education). Its activities were geared to complement national policies and programmes for women’s empowerment through Training Programmes /Seminars / Workshops ; Research/evaluation/surveys; Documentation; Clearing House; Management Services at policy making & at macro level and Advocacy etc.

The Women Development Division has been rechristened as the Women Safety and Empowerment vertical , while its mandate and propose remain unchanged, which is ‘to function as a policy arm to DWCD and Ministry of Education’ and ‘to ensure the overall survival, development, protection and participation of women’.

Through Women Empowerment and Safety Vertical NIPCCD remains committed to addressing social challenges faced by women through training, research, documentation and advocacy. Emphasis will be placed on gender equality, women’s empowerment. Gender budgeting, preventing child marriage, addressing domestic violence, menstrual health, Safety and Security of Women in Public Places, Holistic Development of Adolescent Girls, Life Skills Education, food and nutrition security etc.

Capacity building of functionaries from various departments like education, health, police and social welfare will be conducted focusing on understanding women-centric laws such the Sexual Harassment of Women in Workplace ((Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, The Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, etc. from a practical point of view.

 

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Vertical

The ECCE Vertical is an integral Division of the Institute devoted for advocating policy documents; strengthen programme implementations and promote research ecosystem for ensuring strong foundations for holistic development of children in our country. This vertical strives to promote age and development appropriate quality education through its sustained efforts in the domain of nutrition, inclusion, active learning capacity of children, gender, enabling learning environment, indigenous toys, managing diversity, child centred pedagogy, joyful learning, contextualized curriculum, parent & community engagement, capacity building, and international cooperation.

The ECCE vertical primarily works in the twin field of training and research with significant emphasis on planning & designing curriculum of Anganwadi Services Scheme Functionaries, liaison with the State/UT WCD for assessing training needs, conduct multidisciplinary research studies, documentation of best practices/innovation and assist Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD) for issuing of need specific guidelines and replication of evidence based interventions to strengthen ECCE all across the country.

The present verticals establishes networking and strong collaboration with Academic Institutions, Development Partners (National & International), Civil Society Organization and other partnering Institutions for strengthening resources, creating database and formulate interventions to sensitize parents and caregivers as primary agents of scaffolding for child-rearing practices, health, nutrition, stimulation and early learning.

ECCE Vertical through its dedicated and sustained effort tries to disseminate knowledge, build the capacity of Implementing agencies, Teacher Educators, Policymakers, and other stakeholders both National and International level in the domain of ECCE to ensure a knowledgeable and skilled workforce and also foster cross-cultural learning.

Nutrition across Four Verticals of NIPCCD:

In NIPCCD, nutrition serves as a unifying theme that intersects with and impacts all four verticals of Early Childhood Care and Education, Child protection, Adolescent Mental Health, and Women Empowerment and Safety. Ensuring adequate nutrition is fundamental to promoting overall health, development and wellbeing in these areas..

Early Childhood Care and Education:

Intersection: Nutrition is critical for early childhood development, impacting physical growth, cognitive function, and overall health ensuring children reach their full potential in terms of height and weight. Nutrient-rich foods provide essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimal brain development, which is critical during the early years. Additionally, Good nutrition strengthens the immune system, reducing the risk of infections and illnesses, allowing children to attend school regularly and learn effectively. Proper nutrition in early years sets the foundation for lifelong well-being and learning.

Strategy of incorporation: Educate caregivers, parents, and teachers about the importance of nutrition in child development. Provide workshops and resources on healthy eating habits, meal planning, and portion control. Integrate nutrition concepts into the curriculum through age-appropriate activities, such as cooking classes, gardening projects, and educational games about food groups and nutrition. Involve parents and caregivers in nutrition-related events and initiatives to reinforce healthy eating habits at home.

Child Protection:

Intersection: Proper nutrition is essential for children's physical growth, development, and overall health. Malnutrition weakens the immune system, making children more susceptible to illnesses and diseases, which can put them at risk of neglect, abuse, and exploitation. Adequate nutrition is also crucial for cognitive development, including brain growth, learning, and academic achievement. Malnourished children may experience delays in cognitive development, impacting their ability to protect themselves and make informed decisions. Therefore, improving nutrition can help strengthen children's resilience and reduce their susceptibility to exploitation, discrimination and manipulation.

Strategy of incorporation: Implement nutrition screening and support programs within child protection services. Train caregivers, frontline workers, and community volunteers on the importance of nutrition in child protection. Provide education and resources on how to identify signs of malnutrition, support healthy growth and development, and address nutritional needs effectively. Advocate for policies that prioritize children's nutritional rights and ensure access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations. This may include promoting breastfeeding-friendly environments, improving food security, and addressing underlying factors contributing to malnutrition, such as poverty and food insecurity.

Adolescent Mental Health:

Intersection: Good nutrition including essential vitamins and minerals, contributes to emotional well-being and mental health supports healthy brain development, cognitive function, and emotional regulation during adolescence. Nutritional deficiencies can impact brain development and contribute to mental health issues like depression and anxiety in adolescents. Malnutrition can also lead to mood swings, irritability, and behavioural problems, which may affect the ability of adolescents to cope with stress and seek help in dangerous situations. Developing healthy eating habits fosters a positive self-image and self-esteem in adolescents, which is essential for mental health.

Strategy of incorporation: Integrate nutrition education and support into existing mental health services and counselling programs for adolescents. Promote balanced diets rich in essential nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health through campaigns. Educate adolescents about the importance of nutrition for mental health through school programs, nutrition-focused group activities, workshops, or informational materials.

Women Empowerment and Safety:

Intersection: Nutrition is intricately linked to women's empowerment and safety. It is essential for women's health and empowerment, enabling them to participate fully in society and make informed decisions about their well-being. It helps prevent nutritional deficiencies, supports reproductive health, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, enhancing their ability to lead fulfilling lives. Additionally, good nutrition positively impacts cognitive function and academic performance, enabling women to access education and pursue economic opportunities. Well-nourished women are better equipped to participate in the workforce and contribute to economic growth. Adequate nutrition before and during pregnancy reduces the risk of maternal and child mortality, ensuring safer pregnancies and childbirth experiences. It also supports the healthy development of the foetus, laying the foundation for future generations, hence checking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

Strategy of incorporation: Raise awareness about the importance of nutrition for women's empowerment and safety through community workshops, educational campaigns, and outreach programmes. Provide nutrition education tailored to women's needs, focusing on budget-friendly, culturally appropriate, and sustainable dietary practices. Integrate nutrition components into women's empowerment programs, including skills development, entrepreneurship training, and leadership initiatives. More importantly, advocate for policies that support women's access to nutritious food.

 

International Cooperation Unit

International cooperation is essential for addressing the complex challenges related to women empowerment, child protection, adolescent mental health, and early childhood care and education. By working together, NIPCCD and its international partners can achieve improved policies and programs, Enhanced capacity of stakeholders, Increased awareness about the rights and issues affecting women, children, and adolescents and Strengthened partnerships which will ultimately result in building a more sustainable, inclusive and equitable society for all.

NIPCCD has organised several International Programmes in the past. Notable among these were: An Orientation Course on Preventing and Combating Trafficking of Women and Children for Commercial Sexual Exploitation for the officials and non-officials from Mauritius, organised on September, 2006; Training on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for SAARC Countries organized in 2008 and 2009 at the instance of SAARC Division of Ministry of External Affairs, GOI and MWCD, GOI; An Orientation Programme on Child Rights and Child Protection for SAARC Countries in organised in 2008; and A Study Tour Programme of Emerging Women Leaders from El Salvador on Micro Finance and Micro Enterprise organised by the Institute’s Headquarters in 2014.

Areas of International Cooperation within four Verticals :

  • Women Empowerment: Collaborate with other countries and international organizations such as UN Women, Association for Women’s Rights in Development, Plan International, Women’s Environment and Development Organization and others to share best practices, conduct joint research, and implement programs that empower women economically, socially, and politically.
  • Child Protection: Partner with organizations like UNICEF, Child Rights International Network, and others to strengthen child protection mechanisms, raise awareness about child rights, and develop policies and programs that ensure the safety and well-being of children.
  • Adolescent Mental Health: Collaborate with organizations such as WHO, World Federation for Mental Health, and others to address the mental health needs of adolescents, including awareness campaigns, capacity building for mental health professionals, and research on effective interventions.
  • Early Childhood Care and Education: Partner with organizations like UNESCO, UNICEF, and others to promote early childhood care and education, including developing early childhood curriculum, training early childhood educators, and improving access to quality early childhood services.

Mechanisms of Cooperation:

  • Joint Programs and Projects: Collaborate on joint programs and projects that address specific issues related to women empowerment, child protection, adolescent mental health, and early childhood care and education.
  • Capacity Building: Conduct training programs, workshops, and seminars to enhance the capacity of stakeholders in the areas of focus.
  • Research and Documentation: Undertake joint research studies, share best practices, and document successful interventions to inform policy and practice.
  • Advocacy and Awareness: Advocate for policy changes, raise awareness about issues related to women, children, and adolescents, and promote a rights-based approach to development.

 

Research Desk

Introduction:

National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) under aegis of Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) is committed to carrying out research, documentation, training and field based extension activities in the twin domains of Women and Children. The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisages the promotion of research and innovation to enhance quality of Academic Institutions. It is imperative for academic and technical institutions to carry out researches for identification of challenges and difficulties in the field, planning innovations in the field and identify replicable models for benefit of the masses.

Strengthening the implementation of the programme activities and delivery mechanisms under key missions of MWCD can be addressed by having a strong and vibrant networking with implementing agencies as well as building an ecosystem with strong emphasis on research, innovation, and technology development. In this direction, as per the provisions of Capacity Building Commission of India and NEP, 2020, the establishment of Research Desk in NIPCCD is expected to play a pivotal role in catalyzing multidisciplinary research culture in the Institute, which can serve as a backbone for the implementation of schemes of MWCD l across the country.

Vision:

  • To put in place the mechanisms for developing and strengthening research interventions ecosystem within the Institute.

Mission:

  • To create a vibrant research policy of the Institute for realizing academic excellence at par with larger ecosystem;
  • To foster collaboration with Academic/ Technical Institutions for conducting national/ international research;
  • To create a database (National & International) on various thematic issues pertaining to women and children.
    • To strengthen the research activities of the Institute;
    • To promote researchers and innovators, identify potential collaborators from research organizations, academic institutions for partnerships;;
    • To recruit research personnel, procure equipment, and manage financial resources for enhancing research activities
    • To disseminate research outcomes to the Faculty Members of the Institute, stakeholders and the public at large.
    • To publish a Journal on Women & Child Development and invite field level/ research based articles.

 

Details of Job Responsibilities/ duties of staff of the Institute