Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi K.Palanisami on Monday launched the Montessori based LKG/UKG classes in 2,381 Anganwadi centres located on the premises of government middle schools across the state.
The CM also distributed kit containing uniform sets, school bag, chappals, colour pencils and crayons to seven students at a function in Presidency Girls Higher Secondary School in Egmore here.
“The poor parents need to shell out thousands of rupees to private schools for pre-schooling. These centres attached with government schools have better facilities than any of the private schools,” a senior official from school education department said.
At present, around 53,000 students who are admitted for early childhood care at these centres will be enrolled in LKG and UKG classes according to their age.
There is some discontent among teachers transferred from primary schools to KG classes. However, officials brushed aside the concerns by saying teaching KG classes is a tougher task and not a lesser one.
“Teaching students who are below five years of age is a challenging task. We will provide instructional training to all the secondary grade teachers who are transferred to these centres,” the official said.
The school education department is also planning to launch a door to door campaign for enrolling students in KG classes.
“Though we are starting classes in January, the full-fledged KG classes will start to function from next academic year. We expect a good response from the parents as it could save a considerable amount from their earning,” officials said.
The scheme was launched on a pilot basis for a period of three years.
Along with the pre-school education, the government will also provide accessories like four sets of uniforms, one set of chappals and educational kits, learning materials to all students.
Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, school education minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, fisheries minister D. Jayakumar, social welfare minister V.Saroja and others, officials including school education secretary Pradeep Yadav, Social welfare department secretary K. Manivasan participated in the event.
