UGC Orders UP Universities To Adopt Six Anganwadi Centres Each For Child Education Support

All universities across Uttar Pradesh will now adopt six Anganwadi centres located in their nearby areas as part of a wider push to strengthen early childhood education and support grassroots learning infrastructure. Under this initiative, university students will be involved in internships, research projects and community outreach activities at these centres, while institutions will also assist the government in improving facilities and supporting educational development.

UGC Directs Universities To Adopt Nearby Anganwadi Centres

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all universities in Uttar Pradesh to adopt at least six Anganwadi centres situated in their surrounding areas. These centres cater to children between the ages of three and below six years, where learning is carried out through a range of activity-based methods.

The move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), which places strong emphasis on strengthening the pre-primary stage of schooling. As part of that effort, universities will now play a more active role in supporting Anganwadi centres and contributing to the foundational learning ecosystem.

Students To Take Up Internships And Short-Term Training At Centres

Undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in universities will be sent to the adopted Anganwadi centres for internships. During these visits, students will receive short-term practical training and directly engage with children and educators on the ground.

They will help teach children in more engaging and interactive ways while also understanding the challenges being faced at these centres. The initiative is expected to give students real-world exposure in early childhood learning environments and allow them to contribute meaningfully to the development of young learners.

Postgraduate And PhD Scholars To Conduct Research For Model Anganwadi Centres

The plan also includes academic research at the Anganwadi level. Postgraduate and PhD students will carry out research projects and dissertations aimed at improving the standard of these centres. Based on the findings from these studies, universities will prepare reports and recommendations to help develop model Anganwadi centres.

In addition to research, universities will organise community outreach programmes at these centres. Students from different classes and disciplines will conduct activities such as blood donation camps, cleanliness drives and public awareness programmes.

They will also help organise health check-up camps for children, promote hygiene practices and support efforts to ensure access to free education. Educational materials will be made available to children through NGOs, while environmental awareness programmes will also be held. For now, the overall objective remains to strengthen and improve the functioning of Anganwadi centres with university support.

School Readiness Programme To Improve Language And Number Skills

Alongside this, the Basic Education Department, which is already working to achieve NIPUN goals in council-run schools, is set to launch a pilot School Readiness Programme for children studying in Anganwadi centres.

Under this programme, children at Anganwadi centres will be trained to become proficient in language and numeracy skills. The aim is to prepare them better before they enter formal schooling and ensure they build a strong foundation in basic learning from an early age.

The Central government has already implemented the National Education Policy in educational institutions, under which the NIPUN Bharat Mission is being run in council schools. The mission focuses on making every child proficient in language and numbers, while children who are weak in studies are being regularly monitored.

Now, the same focus is being extended to children at Anganwadi centres as well. The Director General of Basic Education has assigned responsibility for implementing this work to DIET principals.