Karnataka to launch pre-primary classes at 4,000 anganwadis from October

Bengaluru:  The state government is set to begin pre-primary classes at anganwadis from October.

The Department of Women and Child Development started pre-primary sections at anganwadis in Rajajinagar constituency on a pilot basis. Following the positive response, it has decided to extend the programme to 4,000 anganwadis across the state.

Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar and Madhu Bangarappa, Minister for School Education and Literacy, attended the preparatory meeting in Bengaluru on Thursday. They discussed measures needed for opening pre-primary classes at anganwadis.

"The meeting covered academic activities and monitoring children's nutrition, height and weight," said an official present at the meeting.

The plan involves starting pre-primary classes at 4,000 anganwadis before extending it to others in phases.

"Over 17,000 graduates work with anganwadis, and we are training them to teach these children. There will be no separate hiring," another official said.

Of the 4,000 anganwadis chosen to start LKG-UKG classes, 950 are in Belagavi, Laxmi Hebbalkar's hometown.

The department requires two classrooms to start classes, and around 10,000 anganwadis have the necessary infrastructure. These anganwadis will offer LKG-UKG in Kannada and English medium, with 25 children per centre allowed admission.