Lucknow, 14

March (HS): Under

the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government is

taking another important initiative to strengthen elementary education. The

Basic Education Department will organize the Navaarambh Utsav on

March 25, 2026, in all co-located Anganwadi centers and primary schools across

the state. The purpose of this special program is to increase enrollment of

children aged 3 to 6 in kindergartens and to raise awareness among parents

about the importance of elementary education.

State Minister of State for Basic Education (Independent Charge) Sandeep Singh

stated that strengthening elementary education in accordance with the National

Education Policy-2020 is the government's priority. He stated that through the

Navaarambh Utsav, as many children as possible in the 3-4 year age

group will be connected to Balvatika, laying a strong foundation for their

education. He appealed to parents to actively participate in this campaign and

enroll their children in Balvatika, so that children can receive a quality

education environment from the elementary level.

The Basic Education Minister said that under the National Education

Policy-2020, the goal of universalizing elementary education by the year 2030

has been set. To this end, efforts are being made to connect children to the

mainstream of elementary education by establishing better coordination between

Anganwadi centers and primary schools in the state. He said that through the

'Navaarambh Utsav', parents will be informed about the activities, learning

corners, play materials, and other facilities of the Balvatika, which will

increase children's regular attendance and enrollment.

Additional Chief Secretary, Basic and Secondary Education, Partha Sarathi Sen

Sharma, stated that the department has prepared a detailed outline for the

program. Under this program, programs such as lighting lamps, Saraswati

Vandana, presentations on the concept of Balvatika, cultural performances by

children, and discussions on the importance of elementary education will be

organized in schools. A list of children eligible for admission to Class 1 will

be made available to parents, and a demonstration of a functioning Balvatika

will also be held, providing parents with information about the school's

educational environment.

He stated that for the successful conduct of the program, necessary

responsibilities have been assigned to the District Basic Education Officer,

Block Education Officer, DIET, Nodal Teachers, and Anganwadi workers. The

program will be monitored from the district level to the school level, and

information will be provided at the state level through the Prerna Portal and

the Vidya Samiksha Kendra.

Director General of School Education, Monika Rani, stated that the state

government has approved a budget of Rs. 1,592.22 lakh for the Navarambh

Utsav. Under this initiative, each school will receive approximately Rs. 3,000

to ensure the organization of the program, children's activities, banners,

posters, and other arrangements. She emphasized that a strong foundation for

children's future lies in solid foundations for their early childhood. With

this objective, the Navarambh Utsav is being organized, marking an

important step toward increasing enrollment and promoting quality elementary

education.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi