In a major effort to provide quality education and promote learning through fun activities in council schools, the Yogi government is working to equip Anganwadi centres, located on the premises of primary and composite schools with Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) features.
BaLA involves enhancing the classroom and school environment to create an enjoyable and engaging space for children. The primary goal of BaLA is to transform the available space within classrooms or Anganwadi centres into a dynamic learning environment where children can learn through play. This involves arranging the space and equipping it in a manner that encourages active learning.
The Project Approval Board of the Ministry of Education has approved Rs 1.12 crore for providing BaLA features in 449 co-located Anganwadi centres of Uttar Pradesh ‘under the non-recurring head of the year 2023-24.’
Issuing instructions to all the Basic Education Officers, Director General, School Education, Vijay Kiran Anand said that a district-wise limit of Rs 1.12 crore had been issued for work related to BaLA features at the rate of Rs 30,000 per centre.
The release of funds should occur within the accounts of the management committee of schools where Anganwadi centres are situated. This process should align with the guidelines provided by the relevant School and Block Education Officer at the State Project Office.
Furthermore, it is imperative to ensure the implementation of Bala features within the Anganwadi centres that share the same location.
Apart from the headmaster of the school, the nodal teacher of the concerned school and the Anganwadi worker will be included in the management committee of the schools.
Consequently, one of the key aims of BaLA Features is to utilize the school environment itself as a tool for learning. This initiative encompasses both internal classroom modifications and the creation of an open and enriching learning atmosphere beyond the confines of the classroom.
Ludo, snake ladder, Goltara and different types of shapes like square, triangular, round etc. should be made in the open spaces of the schools.
When developing child-centric features, it is essential to align them with the learning objectives established for kindergarten and foundational literacy. Besides, mother orientation programs will be organised in the last week of every month, starting August 28.