Reshma Ravishanker

The Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission-2 has endorsed the idea of improving the eligibility of Anganwadi teachers from SSLC to those who have passed pre-university exams.

This is among the several measures proposed by this commission, chaired by former chief secretary to the state, TM Vijay Bhaskar, the report of which was submitted to chief minister Basvaraj Bommai on Friday.

The department of women and child development in Karnataka has already proposed to the government to improve the eligibility criteria for anganwadi teachers to better education offered to students. “The department has proposed raising the educational qualification for new Anganwadi workers to PUC pass. Early approval may be obtained,” the commission says.

“The present qualification for selection of AW workers is SSLC pass. GER of girls in higher secondary education is higher than that of boys. For the year 2019-20 the GER for girls is 56% compared to 48% for boys. Therefore, there would be enough girls who have passed PUC available in rural areas also. PU educated girls would be able to give better quality preschool education than SSLC educated girls,” they say.

Shortcomings in the training provided to anganwadi teachers was also noted. “Refresher course of 5- day duration to be given once in 2 years has also not been given for 3 years. The required funds may be allocated by the Finance department for induction and refresher training of AWWs and Supervisors. As a supplementary option, refresher training could be outsourced to NGOs with experience in training women’s groups and possessing their own training facilities,” experts suggested.

They have also called for an improvement of preschool education calling the existing anganwadis mostly “unattractive”. Experts have asked the government to improve Anganwadis in a manner that allows them to compete with private crèches and playschools “that charge high sums and provide attractive toys and learning materials”. This is to be realized by the state providing additional funds to whatever the centre provides.

The kits provided to anganwadis, which currently has just one 30-page book lasting for only three months, must have four books per academic year instead, according to the report.  

Also read: Karnataka minister: Training SSLC pass anganwadi teachers for NEP upgrades challenging