Raipur: ‘Balwadis’ will
be started in the premises of 6,536 schools of the state, where Anganwadis are
already being operated. Balwadi will be operated like a pre-school, where
education will be provided to children in the age group of 5 to 6 years through
academic and fun learning activities.
This decision was taken
in the cabinet meeting held today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhupesh
Baghel. This decision of the state government is in line with the National
Education Policy 2020. 68 thousand 54 children will be benefited in the
academic year 2022-23 through this scheme to be operated in the state under the
name ‘Balwadi’.
‘Balvatika’ (learning
materials for children) has been prepared for the operation of ‘Balwadi’.
Preparations for the training of teachers have also been done. Balwadis will be
operated in the school premises for two hours before meal break. Work is
underway for the construction of additional rooms at these places. With the
implementation of this scheme, a foundation will be provided to improve basic
literacy and numeracy among children before going to school. This will prove to
be the foundation stone in improving the educational level of children at the
primary level. In this way, out of 3 lakh 23 thousand 624 students in the age
group of 5-6 years of the state, 68 thousand 54 students will be benefited from
this session 2022-23.
It is noteworthy that
on 26 January 2022, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced the operation of the ‘Balwadi’ scheme in his message to the public on the occasion of Republic Day.
Accordingly, this scheme is being started as per the announcement. As per the
provision of the Right to Education, the state is heading towards providing better
and quality education to children in the age group of 6 to 14 years.
According to the
provisions of the National Education Policy 2020, the work policy is being
implemented in all areas. In the National Education Conclave 2021, the
Government of Chhattisgarh, in its vision document, has taken a resolution to
create such an environment for Early Childhood Care and Education, under which
efforts will be made to provide care and education of all young children and
girls without discrimination.
Step-wise work is being
done for the implementation of Early Childhood Care and Education. The total
number of primary schools in the state is 30 thousand 574 and the number of
Anganwadi centers is 52 thousand 474. The number of such Anganwadi centers
which are located in the school premises is 6 thousand 536. The total number of
children in the age group of 5 to 6 is 3 lakh 23 thousand 624. Pre-schools will
be started at these places under the name of Balwadi. The scheme will be
expanded phase-wise in the coming time.
