Education department's new early education policy sparks controversy

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: In a controversial move, the state education department has rolled out a new initiative to introduce LKG and UKG classes in government schools for children aged 4 to 6 years.

This initiative, which has commenced in 2,524 schools statewide, aims to align early education standards with government school curriculum requirements.

However, this decision has sparked vehement protests from Anganwadi workers and their supporters across the state.

Since June 3, demonstrations have escalated, culminating in a protest on June 19 and 20 in Bengaluru. Anganwadi workers argue that this move threatens the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), a longstanding program providing early childhood care and education, initiated in 1975.

The education department contends that teaching English to underprivileged children and preparing them for formal schooling by the first grade are crucial developmental steps. They emphasise the need to boost enrollment in government schools and improve educational standards from an early age.

Critics, however, fear that limiting Anganwadi centre attendance to just 30 children aged 4 years and above could dismantle the comprehensive care and education provided under ICDS, jeopardising child development initiatives that have been in place for nearly five decades.