Union government to roll out Karnataka’s Montessori model nationwide, says Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar.
Belagavi
Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar announced that the Union government has decided to adopt Karnataka’s Montessori model, implemented by the state’s Women and Child Welfare Department, and replicate it across the country.
Speaking at a press conference at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, Hebbalkar described the initiative as a matter of pride for Karnataka. The Congress government introduced the Montessori system last year, launching LKG and UKG classes. A central team studied the model and, impressed by its outcomes, signed an MoU with the education department to implement it nationwide by setting up 2.5 lakh such centres. She added that the state government will establish 5,000 Montessori schools in the first phase this year. Hebbalkar noted that it is encouraging to see the department’s initiatives being highlighted as examples even in BJP-ruled states. She also expressed gratitude to the Union government for approving 17,000 Saksham Anganwadis for Karnataka.
Unveiling new initiatives, Hebbalkar announced the launch of Chiguru, a programme in collaboration with UNICEF, IPE Global, RDPR, health and family welfare, and the women and child welfare departments. She also highlighted Akka Pade, a statewide programme aimed at protecting women and children from atrocities. Each taluk will have a dedicated 15-member team consisting of police personnel, NCC cadets, and women and child welfare staff. These teams will maintain a presence at schools, colleges, markets, fairs, and public gatherings. Public awareness campaigns will be launched soon, and the helpline number 1098, used for women and children’s safety and child marriage cases, will also support this initiative. The programme is scheduled to launch on November 19, the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Women and Child Welfare Department Chief Secretary Shamla Iqbal, Director Mahesh Babu, and UNICEF’s Karnataka representative Khyati Tiwari were also present.
