Montessori Makeover: Karnataka Turns Anganwadis into Learning Launchpads

A major initiative towards reform in pre-primary education of early childhood, the government of Karnataka will introduce pre-primary classes in 4,000 anganwadi centres in the state from this October. Piloted by the Department of Women and Child Development, the scheme has been introduced in Bengaluru's Rajajinagar constituency and aims to integrate foundation learning with nutrition and care.

Key highlights of the launch

- The programme will consist of LKG and UKG classes in English medium and Kannada medium with 25 children per centre
- No new appointment; over 17,000 graduate anganwadi workers are being trained to introduce early education
- Among the shortlisted centers, 950 are in Belagavi, Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar's constituency
- Around 10,000 anganwadis already have the required infrastructure, and the scheme can be phased out gradually.

Implementation plan and targets

1. The plan is consistent with the National Education Policy 2020 prioritizing foundational literacy and numeracy
2. Academic work will be supplemented by health monitoring, for example, diet, height, and weight.
3. The program aims to connect pre-primary private schools and government centers and offer quality education for free
4. Transfer certificates will be provided in enabling children to enter formal education

Why it matters

This initiative represents a paradigm shift in public education, bringing formal schooling to village centers and empowering the community with accessible, early education.

 Sources: Deccan Herald, Times of India, New Indian Express, Bangalore Mirror