109 anganwadis upgraded as model pre-schools in Mysuru district

Mysuru: Department of women and child development has converted 109 of the 2,935 anganwadi centres in Mysuru district into model pre-schools under a pilot project for children below six.These centres in CM Siddaramaiah's home district have dedicated buildings, bilingual (Kannada and English) lessons, and encourage children to wear uniforms and carry school bags and pencil boxes. Officials said the upgrade aims to strengthen early childhood education. Permission has also been granted to issue transfer certificates for further schooling.
With support from donors, philanthropists, alumni associations, organisations, and private individuals, the department revamped 108 centres in the first phase, adding wall paintings, gardens, and mini amusement parks. These include 11 each in Biligere block, Nanjangud and KR Nagar; 13 each in Mysuru taluk, T Narasipura, Hunsur, Periyapatna and HD Kote; and 10 in Mysuru city.The department deputed anganwadi activists and assistants to these centres and allowed a dress code for them. The upgraded centres also provide uniforms, drinking water, toilets and other basic facilities.Makkala Jagruthi Samsthe, an NGO working for anganwadi children, trained activists and assistants to teach in both English and Kannada, similar to convent pre-schools.Speaking to TOI, deputy director C Basavaraju said the department developed 108 centres as model pre-schools "to attract children to such schools, which are provided with all facilities". He said taluk-level officers have been directed to initiate measures to convert the remaining centres into model units with community participation.Makkala Jagruthi Samsthe CEO Sunayana Chatrapathi said the NGO works with the department to train anganwadi staff and ensure quality education.