Pb govt unveils Rs 9-cr ‘Khed Pitara’ initiative for joyful foundational learning

Chandigarh: The Punjab govt is set to introduce ‘Khed Pitara', a comprehensive play-based learning kit, in Govt Primary Schools across the state to ensure joyful and meaningful learning for young students, announced education minister Harjot Singh Bains on Saturday.The minister said the govt believes the real transformation of education begins at the foundational stage. "By investing in children between 3 and 8 years of age, the state govt is making a strategic, long-term investment in Punjab's future. Khed Pitara will ensure that children do not experience schooling as pressure, but as discovery, creativity and confidence-building, and that this initiative reflects the govt's commitment to building strong academic foundations that will yield results for decades to come," he added.The initiative will benefit approximately 7.5 lakh children from Nursery to Class II studying at the foundational stage across Punjab. Khed Pitara kits will be distributed to around 12,856 Govt Primary Schools across Punjab by April 1, ensuring near-universal coverage of early-grade classrooms. Teachers handling foundational stage classes will also receive structured support through activity-based teaching materials to strengthen classroom implementation. The govt is investing approximately Rs 9.3 crore in this initiative. The minister said the procurement had been completed in a timely manner, distribution was in the final stage, and work orders were being issued for supply to schools.The kit promotes experiential, activity-based and joyful learning by enabling children to learn through play, exploration and interaction rather than memorisation. By shifting the focus from rote learning to activity-based engagement, the Bhagwant Mann-led state govt is nurturing curiosity, creativity and confidence in young learners from the very beginning of their educational journey, laying a strong foundation that will shape Punjab's future workforce and leadership, he said.The kit includes age-appropriate learning materials for early grades, such as toys and manipulatives, puzzles and games, story cards and flash cards, posters and activity books, puppets and play materials, along with teacher resource materials. Each component supports key developmental areas, including language, numeracy, creativity and social learning, ensuring holistic development of children across Punjab.Through ‘Khed Pitara', classrooms will become more interactive, inclusive and child-friendly by enabling learning through play and exploration. The kit is designed to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy, improve language and communication skills, foster creativity and imagination, develop problem-solving abilities, support social and emotional growth, and reduce stress and fear associated with early schooling. Instead of passive learning, children will participate in storytelling, games, hands-on activities and collaborative tasks that make learning natural and enjoyable. By investing at this foundational stage, the state govt is ensuring that learning gaps are addressed early, reducing long-term disparities and building a confident generation prepared for higher education and emerging opportunities.MSID:: 128881068 413 |