Odisha Chief Minister announces the 'Sishu Vatika' initiative, focusing on early childhood education.
Odisha's Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, inaugurated the 'Sishu Vatika' initiative on Wednesday, marking a significant step towards providing quality pre-primary education for children aged 5-6 years. The launch event, held at Badagada High School in Bhubaneswar, was filled with traditional warmth and modern vision.
The 'Sishu Vatika' initiative, a government-led program, aims to establish pre-primary education centres at government-run primary schools across the state. The primary objective is to provide early childhood education, focusing on foundational learning through play-based and developmentally appropriate methods.
During the event, young learners were warmly welcomed with flowers, and 'Chandan tikas' were applied on their foreheads. The Chief Minister himself participated in the event, sitting alongside young students and guiding one in writing 'sunya' (zero) on her slate for the first time. The day was also marked by the 'Khadi Chhuan' activity, where children participated in touching chalk, a playful and engaging learning experience.
The 'Sishu Vatika' initiative directly aligns with several core objectives of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It focuses on foundational learning, universal access to quality early childhood care and education, integrating health and nutrition, and empowering local governance.
The Sishu Vatika initiative is designed to cater to children aged 5-6 years, bridging the gap before entry into formal primary schooling. It is implemented by locating these pre-primary education centres at government primary schools, aiming for universal pre-primary education. Support staff, known as 'Sishu Sebikas', are appointed to assist teachers in managing classrooms, allowing teachers to focus on academic activities.
The meals provided under the initiative follow strict nutritional guidelines, banning refined sugar, restricting salt, and prohibiting artificial additives, in line with recommendations from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and WHO. Energy drinks are also banned near school premises to safeguard child health.
The launch of 'Sishu Vatika' coincides with the ongoing 'Odia Pakshya' celebrations, adding to the festive spirit of the occasion. The initiative is also aimed at promoting Odisha's rich linguistic, literary, and cultural heritage. The government's dedication to preserving and fostering Odia traditions is reflected in the 'Sishu Vatika' initiative.
Under this initiative, pre-school classes will be introduced in government-run schools across Odisha, providing a structured pre-school education for children in the state. The 'Sishu Vatika' initiative is a concrete step by Odisha to operationalize the vision of NEP 2020, ensuring that every child receives a strong and healthy start to their educational journey.
[1] Ministry of Education, Government of India. (2020). National Education Policy 2020. Retrieved from https://www.mhrd.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/NEP_Final_English_0.pdf [2] Indian Council of Medical Research. (n.d.). Guidelines for Management of Chronic Kidney Disease in Children and Adolescents. Retrieved from https://icmr.nic.in/sites/default/files/Guidelines_for_Management_of_Chronic_Kidney_Disease_in_Children_and_Adolescents.pdf [3] World Health Organization. (2016). Guidelines on Sodium Intake for Adults and Children. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/guidelines/sodium-intake-for-adults-and-children/en/ [4] Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. (2018). Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. Retrieved from https://www.fssai.gov.in/writereaddata/FSSR_2011.pdf [5] Ministry of Education, Government of India. (2021). National Education Policy 2020: Implementation Guidelines for Early Childhood Care and Education. Retrieved from https://www.mhrd.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/NEP%20Implementation%20Guidelines%20for%20Early%20Childhood%20Care%20and%20Education_0.pdf
[1] The Sishu Vatika initiative, resonating with the core objectives of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focuses on personal growth and learning, thereby fostering education-and-self-development.
[2] This government-led program, designed for children aged 5-6 years, aims not only to provide early childhood education but also to facilitate personal growth, ensuring a strong foundation for lifetime learning.
