Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Wednesday launched the ‘Sishu Vatika’ initiative to extend preschool education to children in the 5-6 years age group in all schools in the state under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Little kids who begin their life’s journey in education were welcomed in a traditional manner at the ‘Sishu Vatika’ opened in all government-run schools through ‘Prabesh Ustav’ or entry festival. Later, the kids were handhold to ‘Khadi Chhuan’ (touching chalks) programme, where they attempted to write something on the slate for the first time in their life, the CM said.
Children in the age group of 5-6 years will be admitted in a pre-school class under the Sishu-Vatika initiative, he added.
After launching the programme, the Chief Minister, who was a teacher by profession, was seen sitting on the floor of a classroom at Badagada High School in Bhubaneswar and holding the hand of a kid and enabling her to write ‘sunya’ (zero) on her slate.
Majhi later served food to school children of Class IX and X. The state has launched the mid-day meal scheme for students of Class IX and X from April, 2025.
The Sishu Vatika system was introduced to provide quality education under the New Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
“The state government is committed to provide quality education to the students of Odisha. Therefore, we have implemented the NEP 2020 and started Shishu Vatika programmes in schools across the state. To encourage students, ‘Prabesh Utsav’ and ‘Khadi Chhuan’ are being organised,” Majhi said, adding that the Shishu Vatika initiative will play a crucial role in building a modern, self-reliant, and empowered future of children.
“Let’s all join this programme and let us build a bright future for children,” the CM said, adding that the ‘Sishu Vatika’ launch was also part of the ‘Odia Pakshya’ being celebrated to highlight the state’s language, literature, culture, tradition food, dress and other aspects of Odia life.
Stating that efforts are being made to make the first day in school memorable, the children were welcomed at the Sishu Vatika with flowers and by applying the customary chandan tikas on their foreheads.
Majhi said, “We are hell-bent on imparting quality education to students. To bring it into action we have implemented the NEP 2020. For the children who are beginning their educational journey, Shishu Vatikas have been opened across the state.”
PTI
