Karnataka to Introduce LKG, UKG Classes in Anganwadis

Bengaluru, July 17, 2025: In a noteworthy move aimed at bolstering early childhood learning in Karnataka, Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar and Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa convened a preliminary conference today at the Vidhana Soudha to deliberate on the incorporation of lower kindergarten (LKG) and upper kindergarten (UKG) classes within the state's anganwadi centers. This collaborative effort between the two ministries is poised to enhance the educational landscape by providing a comprehensive foundation for children's development. 

Chilipili 2.0 Curriculum and Nutrition Focus

The ministers have been in discussions regarding the implementation of the Chilipili 2.0 curriculum for the planned LKG (Lower Kindergarten) and UKG (Upper Kindergarten) classes within anganwadi centers. This innovative educational program is designed to offer a comprehensive learning environment tailored to the early cognitive and social advancement of young children. The conversation also underscored the significance of integrating supplemental nutrition into the curriculum, as well as the regular tracking of children's weight and physical measurements. This approach is intended to promote an all-encompassing growth for the young learners. "Our objective is to lay a solid groundwork for children's futures through high-quality education and adequate nutritional support," Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar asserted.

Collaborative Efforts for Child Welfare

The meeting held today focused on integrating pre-primary children into anganwadi centers under the auspices of the Education Department. Officials have been instructed to guarantee that these children are provided with sufficient nutritional support. It was emphasized that close collaboration between the Women and Child Development Department and the Education Department is vital for the success of this endeavor. Notable attendees included Rashmi Mahesh, the Secretary of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr. Shamla Iqbal, the Secretary of Women and Child Development, Dr. T.H. Vishwanath, and Special Officer B.H. Nischal, among others. This move is anticipated to bolster the anganwadi system, offering top-notch early education and care to children from underprivileged backgrounds. The successful implementation of this initiative could potentially serve as a blueprint for similar programs across other states.

Keywords: Anganwadi, pre-primary classes, Madhu Bangarappa, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Bengaluru, Chilipili 2.0, Karnataka education, child welfare, nutrition, LKG UKG