Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday launched ‘Shishu Vatika’ initiative aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, to strengthen pre-school education in the state.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi participated in ‘Pravesh Utsav’ and ‘Khadi Chhuan’ programme for preschoolers, who will be enrolled to Shishu Vatikas and Class I this year, at Badagada Government High School here. He was seen sitting on the floor of a classroom and helping a kid to write ‘sunya’ on her slate by holding her hand.
“We are committed to provide the best and quality education to the students of our state. Accordingly, NEP 2020 has been implemented along with the Shishu Vatika programmes in schools. This initiative will play a crucial role in building a modern, self-reliant, and empowered future for our children,” the CM said.
These events will continue till April 5.
To highlight the significance of the programmes, Majhi had earlier distributed invitation letters to the families of the children who would be admitted to schools between March 17 and 19.
Over 45,000 Sishu Vatikas, the regional adaptation of the Education Ministry’s Bal Vatika concept, are being opened at all government-run primary schools from the new academic year of 2025-26. Children in the age group of 5-6 years can take admission in the pre-school, classes for which will be held from 10 am to 4 pm. The directorate of Technical Education and SCERT has developed workbooks for the children, who will be taught using play-based learning methods. They will be provided with a learning kit, including a school bag and stationery to encourage their active participation in the classroom.
The CM, later served food to students of Class 9 and 10 with midday meal scheme extended for them from April 1.
Shiksha Sachetanata Rathas will also be flagged off at the block-level to identify out-of-school children and their admission in age-appropriate classes.
