UP Govt Approves ₹193 Lakh For Learning Corners In 966 PM SHRI Schools

The Yogi government has approved ₹193 lakh for Learning Corners in 966 PM SHRI schools during the 2026-27 fiscal year. These Learning Corners will be developed in co-located Anganwadi Centers/Bal Vatikas located in each selected school. The purpose is to make early education more engaging, activity-based, and child-centric.

Four types of Learning Corners will be established at these centers – Reading Corners, Block Corners, Performance Corners, and Art Corners. These corners will cater to the age and learning needs of children aged 3-6 years.

The Reading Corner will have materials like a Hindi alphabet mat, storybooks, a bookshelf, charts, and a writing/drawing clipboard. These will help improve vocabulary, listening skills, and early literacy abilities. The Block Corner will have foam and wooden blocks, shape sorters, puzzles, alphabet and number blocks, stacking toys, and lacing boards. These encourage shape recognition, problem-solving, spatial understanding, and early math skills.

The Performance Corner will have dress-up costumes, finger-stick puppets, kitchen sets, dolls, emotion masks, drums, hats, scarves, and telephones. These materials promote imaginative play, storytelling, dialogue, social interaction, and emotional development. The Art Corner will provide non-toxic paints, crayons, glue, sheets, and colored paper. These encourage creative expression and fine motor skills.

The Learning Corners’ materials are prescribed based on age groups – 3-5 years and 5-6 years. This ensures age-appropriate activities and developmental needs are met. For 5-6 years olds, additional materials like early readers and bilingual books will be included.

The objective of this initiative is to create an environment where books, toys, art, acting, and activities become mediums of learning. The goal is to connect children with activity-based learning during their early childhood years, as per the National Education Policy-2020.

Minister of State for Basic Education, Sandeep Singh, said, “Learning Corners will provide a new platform for children’s curiosity to learn. The more natural and enjoyable learning is for children in Bal Vatika, the stronger their foundation will be.” Director General of School Education, Monika Rani, added, “Children’s learning abilities will be enhanced through an activity-based environment.

Age-appropriate materials will be provided in the Learning Corners so that children get learning opportunities according to their developmental needs.”