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Karnataka to Launch LKG, UKG Classes in Anganwadis with New Government Montessoris

Karnataka's Women and Child Welfare Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar has announced the state will introduce LKG and UKG classes within its Anganwadi centers. The initiative includes launching new Government Montessori schools to enhance early childhood education. The state has already upgraded 5,000 Anganwadis and plans to upgrade another 5,000 by June, emphasizing the need for quality education. This aligns with the national Saksham Anganwadi scheme, which has upgraded over 103,940 centers with modern facilities to support holistic child development.

Key Points: Karnataka to Start LKG, UKG in Anganwadis, Launch Govt Montessoris

  • LKG/UKG in Anganwadis
  • 5,000 Anganwadis upgraded
  • New Government Montessoris
  • Saksham Anganwadi upgrades nationwide
  • Focus on early childhood education
2 min read

"We're set to start LKG, UKG classes in Anganwadis": Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar

Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar announces LKG & UKG classes in Anganwadis, upgrade of 10,000 centers, and new Government Montessori schools.

"We are set to start LKG and UKG classes in Anganwadis. We will be launching Government Montessoris. - Lakshmi Hebbalkar"

New Delhi, March 18

Karnataka Minister for Women and Child Welfare Lakshmi Hebbalkar on Wednesday announced that the state is set to introduce LKG and UKG classes in Anganwadis, alongside the launch of Government Montessoris to enhance early childhood education.

Speaking in the state assembly, Minister Hebbalkar said, "This time, we are set to start LKG and UKG classes in Anganwadis. We will be launching Government Montessoris."

She further highlighted the progress in upgrading Anganwadis, saying, "We have already upgraded 5,000 Anganwadis, and we are prepared to upgrade another 5,000 this coming June. We must provide quality education in Anganwadis as well."

Addressing queries related to staffing, she added, "Who comes to Anganwadis? You mentioned KPSC; that is a good suggestion. If they are selected based on merit, it is up to them--we cannot dictate where they should or shouldn't work. I would like to bring to your notice that about 17,000 workers in our department (Anganwadis) are highly qualified, including Postgraduates and those with MA, M.Com, and B.Sc degrees. We, too, need to maintain high standards of quality."

Meanwhile, under the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme, the Central Government has so far upgraded 1,03,940 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) into Saksham Anganwadi Centres for better delivery of nutrition and increased focus on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) services to the beneficiaries.

The upgradation includes provision of LED screens and other audio-visual aids, Wi-Fi/Internet connectivity (wherever feasible), safe drinking water facilities such as water filters/RO systems, BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) paintings, age-appropriate ECCE learning materials, Poshan Vatikas (kitchen gardens), clean storage facility for provisions, rainwater harvesting systems, and other item/ works as per local requirement.

These improvements help create a safe, stimulating, and enabling environment for early learning, facilitating the delivery of ECCE through play-based and activity-based pedagogical practices, thereby supporting the holistic development and school readiness of children aged 3-6 years.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but implementation is key. Upgrading infrastructure with LED screens and WiFi is great, but will there be consistent electricity and internet in remote areas? The plan sounds good on paper, hope the ground reality matches.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has volunteered in early education, the mention of play-based and activity-based learning is the most heartening part. Too often, our system pushes rote learning too early. This holistic approach for 3-6 year olds is exactly what's needed.
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Vikram M
Poshan Vatikas (kitchen gardens) is a brilliant idea! Teaches children about nutrition and nature from a young age. My only concern is the "Government Montessoris" – will they truly follow the child-centric Montessori method or just be another branded government school?
A
Ananya R
Finally recognizing the qualifications of Anganwadi workers! 17,000 postgraduates and graduates have been serving. Better pay and respect for them must go hand-in-hand with this upgrade. They are the real backbone of this system.
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Karthik V
A welcome move. The integration of early education with nutrition (Poshan 2.0) is smart policy. A healthy, stimulated child is ready to learn. Hope the focus remains on the child's overall development and not just on preparing them for formal school academics.

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