Lucknow: Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, Uttar Pradesh will mark a historic leap in early education on August 15, with over 3,000 newly established Balvatikas becoming fully operational across the state. Independence Day celebrations at these centres will see public representatives, officials, and parents joining to encourage children, while programmes will showcase the importance of early learning, its benefits, and key government initiatives. The move is aimed at building a strong educational foundation and shaping the next generation into creative, confident, and responsible citizens.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 identifies Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) as the most critical stage of the entire learning journey. Following this vision, the Yogi government has decided to transform all co-located Anganwadi centres into Balvatikas. The first eight years of life are crucial for brain development and learning ability, and these Balvatikas will help children develop linguistic, cognitive, social, and creative skills.
Low-enrolment schools have been merged with nearby institutions to consolidate resources. Following renovation, beautification, creation of child-friendly classrooms, a print-rich environment, and provision of learning materials, these schools have now been prepared for Balvatika operations.
Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh said the Yogi government is giving top priority to early education, with Balvatikas designed to ensure children’s holistic development and nutrition so they grow into strong, confident, and responsible citizens. “Making over 3,000 Balvatikas operational on August 15 is a major step towards providing children a solid foundation for learning,” he remarked.
According to Director General of School Education, Smt. Kanchan Verma, the Basic Education Department has ensured all necessary facilities for the holistic development of children. This includes activity-based kits (Wonder Box), learning corners, outdoor play equipment, child-friendly furniture, and stationery. ECCE teachers, shiksha mitras, and Anganwadi workers have been given special training to make children aged 3 to 6 “school ready” while paying full attention to their nutrition.
