Lucknow, August 12, 2025 – In a big move to strengthen early education, the Uttar Pradesh government is all set to kick off more than 3,000 Bal Vatikas across the state starting August 15. These play-based learning centers for kids aged 3 to 6 will open on Independence Day, marking a fresh chapter in the state’s push for better schooling from the ground up. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s team is leading this effort, turning empty school buildings into fun spots where little ones can learn through games and stories.
The idea comes from the National Education Policy 2020, which stresses the need for strong foundations in early years. After merging schools with low student numbers, those with fewer than 50 kids, the government now has extra space. Instead of letting these buildings sit idle, they’re being converted into Bal Vatikas. This way, resources are used smartly, and more children get access to pre-primary classes right in their neighborhoods.
Officials say this will help kids get ready for regular school while making learning enjoyable. “We’re creating a joyful environment with trained teachers, mid-day meals, and child-friendly setups,” said Kanchan Verma, Director General of School Education. The plan also ties in with Anganwadi centers already on school grounds, blending care and education smoothly.
To make it happen, the state is hiring 8,800 Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) educators on contract. These folks need a degree in Home Science and training like Nursery Teacher Training. They’ll earn about ₹10,313 a month and focus on building basic skills in reading, numbers, and play. Applications are open, and districts must wrap up hires by September 30 via the government’s online portal.
The Allahabad High Court gave the green light last month by tossing out challenges to the school mergers. This cleared the path for the changes, ensuring no teacher jobs are lost. In fact, the mergers aim to improve teacher-student ratios, so every class has enough attention.
One early example came from Hardoi, where Minister Nitin Agarwal launched the state’s first Bal Vatika in a merged school just days ago. “This is inspired by our CM’s vision to prepare kids early,” he said at the event. Parents there are excited, seeing it as a free, quality option compared to private playschools.
This launch isn’t just about numbers—it’s about giving every child a fair start. With Uttar Pradesh having over 1.3 lakh primary schools, adding pre-primary wings could change how millions learn. Experts see this as a step toward cutting dropouts and building smarter futures. By tying it to August 15, the government is linking education with national pride.
