Karnataka Government Plans LKG and UKG Classes in Ten Thousand Anganwadi Centres from June
Karnataka government plans to introduce LKG and UKG classes in ten thousand Anganwadi centres from June aiming to strengthen early childhood education and address demands raised by Anganwadi workers.
Government plan to expand preschool education
The Karnataka government has announced plans to begin LKG and UKG classes in around ten thousand Anganwadi centres across the state starting from June. The initiative is aimed at strengthening early childhood education while making better use of the existing Anganwadi infrastructure.
Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar shared this information while addressing Anganwadi workers during her visit to Freedom Park in Bengaluru. Workers had gathered there to stage a protest demanding that several long pending issues be addressed by the government.
Minister meets Anganwadi workers during protest
During the visit the minister accepted a memorandum submitted by representatives of the Karnataka State Anganwadi Employees Association. She assured the workers that the government is ready to discuss their demands and take steps gradually to resolve them.
Lakshmi Hebbalkar also pointed out that LKG and UKG classes have already been introduced in about five thousand Anganwadi centres earlier. The government now plans to extend the programme to many more centres in the coming months.
She added that discussions would be held with the Chief Minister and the Education Department before implementing further steps related to the programme.
Focus on trained staff and better education access
The minister said several Anganwadi workers currently serving in the centres hold higher qualifications including postgraduate degrees and professional teaching training. With such qualified staff already working at the grassroots level the government believes Anganwadi centres can effectively support early learning for children.
According to her the new plan will ensure that preschool education remains available within the Anganwadi system itself rather than shifting these classes elsewhere.
She also mentioned that the government had earlier taken steps to relieve Anganwadi workers from Booth Level Officer duties. However some of them have again been assigned such responsibilities and the government will attempt to resolve the issue in the future.
Appeal to end protest
Lakshmi Hebbalkar appealed to Anganwadi workers to reconsider their protest and assured them that their concerns are being taken seriously. She said that as a woman she understands their challenges and has been trying to represent their voice within the government.
The minister added that several demands of Anganwadi workers have already been addressed since she assumed office. She promised to hold further discussions with the Chief Minister and work towards resolving the remaining issues raised by the workers.
