Lucknow, 15 Aug

(HS): Balvatika will be formally started from Friday in 5,118 schools that were

vacated after the merger (pairing) of council schools with low enrollment in

the state. Local public representatives, parents and officials will start it

with flag hoisting. Children will be mentally prepared and strengthened by

taking admission in class one here. Under the National Education Policy-2020,

Balvatika in government schools of the state will now become a colorful world

of learning and playing for children. To strengthen the 'school readiness' of

children aged 3 to 6 years, the Basic Education Department is starting this in

5,118 schools across the state. In this, with the cooperation of Women and Child

Development Department, nearby Anganwadi centers have been transferred to these

schools. They have been equipped with modern facilities. Director General

School Education Kanchan Verma said that the age of 3 to 6 years is very

important for the mental, emotional and social development of children. On

completion of this phase of school readiness, the child is fully prepared to

receive education at the time of admission to Class 1. Nutrition, safe

environment and joyful learning are our priorities. Pre-primary education and

Balvatika have been given special importance in NEP, in accordance with which

this initiative is being taken.

These facilities

will be available: In these Balvatikas, arrangements have been made for

children like child friendly furniture, outdoor play material, colourful

classrooms, learning corners. Along with this, exercise books, wonder box for

activity-based learning, teaching material and stationery have also been

provided. ECCE educators are also being deployed in a phased manner. Before

this, these school premises were cleaned, painted and attractively decorated, which

will attract children.

“In line with the

National Education Policy-2020, we are laying a strong foundation for the

future of children through Balvatikas. Nutrition, safe environment and joyful

learning are our priorities so that every child can be fully prepared mentally

before entering Class 1,” informed Sandeep Singh, Minister of State for Basic

Education (Independent Charge), while replying to the queries of mediapersons

on Friday.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi