Ujjain: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Wednesday inaugurated the state’s first high-tech Anganwadi at Shadawal in Ujjain, marking a major step towards transforming Anganwadi centres into modern pre-schools and early learning centres.
The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) vision of strengthening foundational education and developing Anganwadis beyond traditional nutrition centres.
During the inauguration, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav interacted with children, presented them with rose flowers, and planted a sapling under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
The new model aims to provide children with better learning facilities, improved health support, and a child-friendly environment.
First Smart Anganwadi Developed with IIM Bangalore Support
The high-tech Anganwadi model has been developed with support from IIM Bangalore. Around Rs 6 lakh per Anganwadi is being spent to create modern facilities and improve the overall learning environment for children.
The upgraded centres will include:
- Modern child-friendly furniture
- Smart classrooms and digital learning tools
- Play areas and swings
- School uniforms for children
- Health monitoring facilities
- Nutrition support systems
The project focuses on combining education, health, safety, and child development under one integrated model.
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Ujjain to Convert 1,000 Anganwadis into Smart Centres
According to the administration, around 1,000 Anganwadi centres in Ujjain district will be transformed into high-tech models in a phased manner.
The initiative has started with Anganwadis located near temple premises. The government also launched the “Anganwadi Adoption” initiative, allowing devotees, industrialists, and individuals from India and abroad to adopt centres and contribute towards education and nutrition programmes.
The move aims to encourage public participation in improving early childhood development infrastructure.
Smart Anganwadi Focuses on Education, Health and Child Safety
The first smart Anganwadi has been designed as a complete development centre focusing on children’s education, health, and safety.
Key features of the high-tech Anganwadi include:
- Colourful classrooms for better learning experiences
- Digital learning through smart TVs and educational tools
- Play equipment and learning materials
- New uniforms for children
- Nutrition kits
- Weight and height measurement facilities
- Clean drinking water arrangements
- Modern toilets
- CCTV security system
- Child-friendly furniture
Facilities have also been created for Anganwadi workers and ASHA workers, including proper seating arrangements, storage rooms, kitchens, and training facilities.
CM Mohan Yadav Says Anganwadis Will Become Children’s First Schools
During his visit, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav interacted with children, observed digital learning activities, and reviewed the facilities at the smart Anganwadi.
He said Anganwadis will no longer remain limited to providing milk and nutrition supplements but will become the first schools for children, providing quality early education and development opportunities.
Initiative Aims to Strengthen Early Childhood Development
The Smart Anganwadi project is designed to provide children with a better environment during their early years, which play a crucial role in cognitive and social development.
Officials and public representatives present during the inspection appreciated the initiative and highlighted that modern Anganwadis will benefit children in both rural and urban areas.
The project is also expected to provide greater convenience to mothers by improving access to education, nutrition, and healthcare services for children.
Government Plans Smart Anganwadi Expansion Across Madhya Pradesh
The Madhya Pradesh government has set a target to convert all Anganwadis in Ujjain district into smart Anganwadis by the end of 2026. After successful implementation in Ujjain, the model is planned to be expanded across the entire state.
The initiative represents a major step towards strengthening early childhood education, improving nutrition services, and creating modern learning environments for children across Madhya Pradesh.
