Strengthening Early Intervention Ecosystems in Rural Assam: Evidence from Goalpara and Karbi Anglong Districts
Abstract
Background: Early Intervention (EI) programs provide aid to children from zero to six years old who have disabilities or experience some delays in the areas of cognitive, motor, language, and socio-emotional development. Inaccessibility to Early Intervention programs is a problem in the rural areas of the North-Eastern region of India in connection with poor infrastructure, lack of awareness among community members, socio-economic factors, lack of professionals, and cultural barriers. Objectives: The present study aims to analyse obstacles to the accessibility of Early Intervention Programs in rural areas of Rangjuli Block of Goalpara District, and Manja Block of Karbi Anglong District of Assam, and suggest measures to develop early intervention programs in such areas. Methods: A qualitative review approach and contextual field analysis were chosen for data synthesis based on the literature and research findings. Relevant studies and policies relating to disabilities and early intervention were reviewed for information about various challenges and proposed solutions for better access to EI programs. Findings: The study reveals that the inadequate infrastructure, poor socio-economic status, and cultural stigmatization negatively affect the access and acceptance of the EI service. Community-based rehabilitation, intersectoral coordination, training of frontline workers, and engagement of families through culturally sensitive approaches became the key approaches for strengthening the EI program. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of developing sustainable and inclusive EI interventions in rural areas. The promotion of coordinated action involving various sectors can contribute to improved developmental outcomes in children living in rural Assam.
References
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31. Basu, S., & Santa, R. (2023). On the basis of NEP 2020: Quality and excellences of early childhood care and education. International Journal of Applied Research, 9(10), 10-13.
32. Mahanta, K. S., & Saikia, N. (2024). Challenges in Implementing Early Childhood Care and Education in Anganwadi Centres: A Case Study of Rangia Sub District of Kamrup District of Assam. International Journal of Scientific Research in Modern Science and Technology, 3(10), 01-06.
33. Duarah, D. (2024). Original research article towards an inclusive education system: challenges and opportunities under nep-2020 with special reference to assam. A peer reviewed journal of indian Institute of Research and Development for Differently Abled (JIIRDDA).
34. Das, A., & Joseph, G. (2023). Social Exclusion and Children with Disabilities: Understanding the Challenges and Problems Faced by Children with Disabilities in Cachar District of Assam. Mizoram University Journal of Humanity and Social Sciences, 1(2).
35. Sinha, S., Dey, S., Sahu, T., Paul, S., & Talukdar, T. (2022). Early Childhood Education in India: A Suggestive Roadmap--2014. World Bank.
36. Ahmed, S. U. (2025). A Case Study on Effectiveness of Assistive Technologies in Special Education Classrooms in Rural Assam. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 6(9), 1589–1594.
37. Rooks-Ellis, D. L., Howorth, S. K., Boulette, S., Kunze, M., & Sulinski, E. (2020). Effects of a parent training using telehealth: Equity and access to early intervention for rural families. Journal of Childhood, Education & Society, 1(2).
38. Mohan, P., & Kumar, R. (2019). Strengthening primary care in rural India: Lessons from Indian and global evidence and experience. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 8(7), 2169-2172.
39. Centre for Rehabilitation and Training for Multiple Disability. (2022). Unaware, untapped and under-served: Study report of the situation of persons with disabilities in North East India: To understand needs and gaps in services and the realisation of rights (2020–2021). Supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Shishu Sarothi.
2. Chakraborty, D., & Boro, R. (2022). Community participation in early childhood programs: A study from rural Assam. Journal of Education and Practice, 13(5), 112–120.
3. Das, B. (2018). Human development among the Rabhas: A study in Goalpara district of Assam (Unpublished M.Phil dissertation). Dibrugarh University.
4. Decker, K. B., Williams, E. R., Cook, G. A., & Fry, M. M. (2021). The early intervention referral process for rural infants and toddlers with delays: A family perspective. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 25(5), 715–723.
5. Devi, D. (2022). Access to utilization of healthcare in rural Assam. Guralnick, M. J. (2020). Early intervention for children with intellectual disabilities: Current knowledge and future prospects. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual
a. Disabilities, 33(1), 1–13.
6. Haring, K. A., & Lovett, D. L. (2010). Early intervention and early childhood services for families in rural settings. Rural Special Education Quarterly, 29(4), 16–23.
7. Howe, E., Riggleman, S., & Passmore, A. (2023). Evidence-based practices via remote service delivery for early intervention in rural communities. Rural Special Education Quarterly, 42(4), 202–212.
8. Jephson, M. B., Russell, K. P., & Youngblood, L. A. (2001). Families and early intervention professionals in rural areas: Unique challenges. Rural Special Education Quarterly,
9. World Health Organization. (2021). Community-Based Rehabilitation: Guidelines for Developing Countries. WHO Press.
10. Kaul, V., Bhattacharjea, S., Chaudhary, A. B., Ramanujan, P., Banerji, M., & Nanda, M. (2017). The India early childhood education impact study. New Delhi: UNICEF, 1-186.
11. Mahanta, K. S., & Saikia, N. (2024). Challenges in Implementing Early Childhood Care and Education in Anganwadi Centres: A Case Study of Rangia Sub District of Kamrup District of Assam. International Journal of Scientific Research in Modern Science and Technology, 3(10), 01-06.
12. Bhattacharya, N., Pakrashi, D., Saha, S., & Sahoo, S. (2025). Impact of Early Childhood School Intervention on Enrolment and Learning Outcomes: Evaluation of a Public Program in India. The Journal of Development Studies, 1-22.
13. Ghosh, N. (2021). CBR practice and inclusion: Persons with disabilities in north East India. Disability, CBR & Inclusive Development, 32(4), 114-133.
14. Mukherjee, S. B., Mukherjee, S., Ghosh, S., & Singh, A. (2021). Providing services for Indian children with developmental delay and disabilities in the community: Rashtriya Bal Suraksha Karyakram. Indian Pediatrics, 58(Suppl 1), 73-79.
15. Shin, Y., Park, E. J., & Lee, A. (2025). Early intervention for children with developmental disabilities and their families via telehealth: Systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 27, e66442.
16. Jose, P., Kumar, S. S., Chandru, B. A., Sundaram, S., Vijayanand, S. M., Kutty, V. R., & Varma, R. P. (2023). Local governments and community-based rehabilitation for developmental disabilities: leaving no one behind. Public Health Action, 13(1), 37-43.
17. Saikia, H., & Biswas, N. B. (2015). Primary education in Karbi Anglong: A critical study (Doctoral dissertation). Bordoloi, C. (2023). Role of the Government in ensuring elementary education in Assam: An Analysis. Editorial Team, 67.
18. Barua, S. (2015). Issues of Maternal and Child Health Care Services among Rural and Urban Population in Selected Districts of Assam. International Journal of Science and Research, 4(11), 463-481.
19. Kumar, D., Kumar, R., Biswas, B., Biswas, L., Patra, S. R., & Patra, S. (2024). Knowledge and Attitudes of Healthcare Professionals Regarding Disabilities in Eastern India. Cureus, 16(12).
20. Gogoi, P. J., & Biswas, D. (Eds.). (2024). Disability and Peripherality: Perspectives and Narratives from India’s North East. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
21. Khound, M., Kaushik, J. S., Nath, A., Das, B. K., Das, D., Goswami, G., & Sharma, D. (2025). Validation of Assamese Version of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) Tool for Early Detection of Developmental Delay and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Indian Pediatrics, 62(9), 686-691.
22. Kumari, D. P. (2023). Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) regarding Screening of the Diseases and Defects at Birth under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakaram (RBSK) among health care providers.
23. Kuruvilla, R. M., Rajan, S. K., & Joseph, J. (2024). Multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches to neurodevelopmental disability interventions: A brief overview. Annals of Indian Psychiatry, 8(4), 353-357.
24. Sachdev, Y., & Dasgupta, J. (2001). Integrated child development services (ICDS) scheme. Medical Journal Armed Forces India, 57(2), 139-143.
25. Subhash, P., & Honnalli, S. H. (2025). A Study on Child Development Service Schemes under ICDS Project of Anganwadi Centre. International Journal of Advanced Research in Commerce, Management & Social Science, 08(03(II)), 20–28.
26. Paul, S., Akhtar, N., & Bhuyan, M. J. (2025). Geographic insights into the functionality and community impact of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Lakhimpur District of Assam, India. Scottish Geographical Journal, 1-20.
27. Mondal, B. Assessing Gap Between Policy and Practice of Inclusive Education for Children with Special Needs: A Review of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan Scheme in Ten Indian States. Year 46, Issue No. 4 July-September 2023, 100, 76.
28. Banik, M. (2022). The impact of sarva siksha abhiyan within the region of bakaliaghat of karbi anglong district of assam-a case Study (Doctoral dissertation, Global University).
29. Bora, P. (2025). Right to Education: Myth or Reality? The Scenario in Assam. Canadian Journal of Educational and Social Studies, 5(3), 109-119.
30. Malik, I. S., & Hasan, M. (2024). Exploring early childhood care and education in the context of India’s national education policy-2020. Educational Quest, 15(1), 9-14.
31. Basu, S., & Santa, R. (2023). On the basis of NEP 2020: Quality and excellences of early childhood care and education. International Journal of Applied Research, 9(10), 10-13.
32. Mahanta, K. S., & Saikia, N. (2024). Challenges in Implementing Early Childhood Care and Education in Anganwadi Centres: A Case Study of Rangia Sub District of Kamrup District of Assam. International Journal of Scientific Research in Modern Science and Technology, 3(10), 01-06.
33. Duarah, D. (2024). Original research article towards an inclusive education system: challenges and opportunities under nep-2020 with special reference to assam. A peer reviewed journal of indian Institute of Research and Development for Differently Abled (JIIRDDA).
34. Das, A., & Joseph, G. (2023). Social Exclusion and Children with Disabilities: Understanding the Challenges and Problems Faced by Children with Disabilities in Cachar District of Assam. Mizoram University Journal of Humanity and Social Sciences, 1(2).
35. Sinha, S., Dey, S., Sahu, T., Paul, S., & Talukdar, T. (2022). Early Childhood Education in India: A Suggestive Roadmap--2014. World Bank.
36. Ahmed, S. U. (2025). A Case Study on Effectiveness of Assistive Technologies in Special Education Classrooms in Rural Assam. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 6(9), 1589–1594.
37. Rooks-Ellis, D. L., Howorth, S. K., Boulette, S., Kunze, M., & Sulinski, E. (2020). Effects of a parent training using telehealth: Equity and access to early intervention for rural families. Journal of Childhood, Education & Society, 1(2).
38. Mohan, P., & Kumar, R. (2019). Strengthening primary care in rural India: Lessons from Indian and global evidence and experience. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 8(7), 2169-2172.
39. Centre for Rehabilitation and Training for Multiple Disability. (2022). Unaware, untapped and under-served: Study report of the situation of persons with disabilities in North East India: To understand needs and gaps in services and the realisation of rights (2020–2021). Supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Shishu Sarothi.
Published
2024-09-10
How to Cite
Saddam Hussain, & Dr. Koona Lalitha. (2024). Strengthening Early Intervention Ecosystems in Rural Assam: Evidence from Goalpara and Karbi Anglong Districts. Revista Electronica De Veterinaria, 25(2), 2765 - 2772. https://doi.org/10.69980/redvet.v25i2.2435
Section
Articles
