It was launched in 2014 as a sub-programme under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan to improve language development and create interest in Mathematics amongst children.
Its two components are: Early reading and writing with comprehension (ERWC) and Early Mathematics (EM).
As a follow up to the foundational programme, in 2015-16 a programme called the National Reading Initiative was launched to develop and promote the habit of reading among students in elementary schools, thereby extending the programme up to class 8.
