CM Mohan Charan Majhi at the state-level Khadi Chhuan Divas programme on Saturday
Bhubaneswar: The pre-school classes at anganwadi centres will slowly be integrated with Sishu Vatikas at govt schools in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, CM Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Saturday.Inaugurating the state-level Khadi Chhuan Divas, which marks the beginning of the formal education of a child, at Raj Bhawan Upper Primary School in the city, the CM said currently children are pursuing the first two years of education at anganwadi centres before entering the school Sishu Vatikas, which were opened for children in the age group of five and six in govt schools from 2025-26 academic session.There are three stages of Sishu Vatika in Odisha under the new three-year pre-school programme of NEP 2020 to prepare students of govt schools for Class 1.
“Currently, the students of Sishu Vatika 1 and 2 are studying in anganwadi centres and Sishu Vatika 3 has been functioning in schools. In a phased manner, Sishu Vatika 1 and 2 will be also be integrated into the schooling system,” the CM said, adding this will strengthen the foundation for primary, upper primary, secondary and higher secondary education.Last year, Sishu Vatika 3 was opened in 45,042 govt schools, enrolling children aged five.
The CM added that work on construction of Godabarish Mishra primary schools has started. He had laid the foundation stone for these schools virtually in Jan.“These model primary schools will come up at gram panchayat level. Each school will be established over an area of five acres with all amenities for students and teachers. The schools will focus on overall development of students and accordingly, all measures will be put in place for their holistic development.
We have made funds provision of Rs 6 crore to Rs 7 crore for each school in the Budget,” Majhi said.He further said that Khadi Chhuan is a sacred tradition in Odia culture and has been implemented at govt schools since last year. This year, five lakh invitations were extended at school and individual levels to include more students in the Khadi Chhuan ritual and ensure no child is left out of education. “Efforts are being made in schools to create interest and respect for learning among children rather than fear,” the CM said.
