Udupi: The government has decided to provide a dedicated activity book titled "Bala Chetana" for children in pre-primary classes started in government schools. From the next academic year, toddlers will learn using this bilingual book.
The Government and the Department of School Education and Literacy have been granting permission to many government schools to conduct pre-primary classes. From the 2026-27 academic year, the "Bala Chetana" activity book will be supplied to these young learners through the Karnataka Textbook Society.
In accordance with the state government's decision, the department has permitted pre-primary classes in approximately 9,522 government schools across the state, including Karnataka Public Schools, PM Shri Schools, and bilingual medium schools. This permission is granted based on local demand and student strength.
Until now, although there was departmental permission, there was no specific activity book for pre-primary classes. Similar to the attractive activity books in private schools, these are now being introduced to government schools. Currently, only necessary toys are purchased based on departmental grants, but from the 2026-27 academic year, the government will also provide activity books.
"Bala Chetana" has been prepared in both Kannada and English to support the mental development of pre-primary children. The Department of State Educational Research and Training (DSERT) has designed and finalized this book, which has been sent to the Karnataka Textbook Society for printing.
Unresolved confusion
Anganwadis operate on the premises of most government schools. While administrative responsibilities of Anganwadis, including food supply, lie with the Department of Women and Child Development, discussions have been ongoing for years about shifting teaching and learning duties to the Education Department. However, a final decision is yet to be made.
Furthermore, Anganwadi workers demand that pre-primary classes should be continued within Anganwadis rather than being shifted to government schools. Since the Education Department has not agreed to this, confusion between the two departments persists. Meanwhile, smart classes are being conducted in Anganwadis through government grants.
1.96 Lakh Children
Pre-primary classes are running in 9,522 government schools statewide, including around 100 schools in Udupi and over 150 in Dakshina Kannada. A total of 1.96 lakh students are studying in these classes.
"The printing of the Bala Chetana activity book for pre-primary classes for the 2026-27 session is underway. Based on the government's instructions and the indents received from schools, we will complete the printing and supply the books before the start of the next academic year," said M.P. Madegowda, Managing Director, Karnataka Textbook Society.
— Raju Kharvi Koderi
