Karnataka’s Montessori model goes national

Karnataka has caught national attention with its smart and joyful approach to early education - so catchy that the central government wants to roll it out across the whole country.

Late last year, Karnataka’s women and child development department launched a unique Montessori-style initiative in Bengaluru. They began with Lower Kindergarten (LKG) and Upper Kindergarten (UKG) classes, setting up 200 centers to give children a creative, child-centered learning experience. The results were so promising that a central government team studied the model and signed an agreement to replicate it at scale - 2.5 lakh centers right across India. This year, Karnataka itself will be launching 5,000 new Montessori schools in the first phase.

But that’s not all. The state isn't just building schools - it’s also launching programs to care for children’s health and women’s safety. The new ‘Chiguru’ program (meaning “sprout”) will focus on children suffering from acute malnutrition, supplying them with essential vitamins and supplements. It’ll start in eight districts, especially in the Kalyana Karnataka region, in collaboration with UNICE F (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) and local health a uthorities.

To further help women and children, Karnataka is introducing ‘Akka Pade’ (“sister’s step”), a protective community outreach initiative launching November 19, on the anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's passing. Every taluk will have a 15-member team - including police, NCC cadets, and welfare officers - deployed across schools, markets, and public gatherings to raise awareness and offer protection. The helpline 1098 will also support this effort.

To top it off, the state secured approval from the Union government for 17,000 new "Saksham Anganwadis" - enhanced centers focusing on early childhood care and development.

Together, these initiatives paint a picture of a Karnataka government stepping up on early education, health, and safety - winning recognition for its approach, and now inspiring a national movement.