The upgraded centres combine play-based learning with meals, health checks and digital growth records as Gujarat expands its early-years programme.
Gujarat is turning a network of Anganwadi centres in Rajkot into more than child-care posts, pairing early learning with nutrition tracking and basic health support in an effort to give young children a stronger start before they enter school.
The Rajkot Municipal Corporation runs 364 of these centres across three zones, where children are introduced to language, mathematics and practical habits such as handwashing, personal hygiene, good manners and healthy eating. According to local reports, the centres use educational toys, smart televisions and other digital tools to make lessons more interactive and better suited to pre-school children.
Officials say the model is built around play-based learning during the first part of the day, with the centres open for six hours and the initial four hours devoted largely to activities that develop early skills. Sardaben Desai, a programme officer at the municipal corporation, said the centres also keep digital records of each child’s height, weight and nutritional status, allowing workers to identify undernourishment earlier and respond more quickly.
That response can include counselling for parents and referrals for medical treatment where needed. Children also receive meals during their sessions, and workers say the combination of education and nutrition support is already making a difference. Devyani Joshi, an Anganwadi worker in Rajkot, said her centre serves about 55 to 60 children a day and provides both pre-primary teaching and food.
Parents, too, have described changes at home. Nimisha Solanki said her daughter has been offered a more varied diet at the centre, while Riddhi Goswami said her child has improved in speaking English words and joining activities. Goswami also said the centre keeps families informed through WhatsApp groups, sharing details about events, activities and changes to the timetable.
The Rajkot effort forms part of a wider push in Gujarat to upgrade more than 10,000 Anganwadi centres into Smart Nested Learning Centres. The broader plan is meant to strengthen early childhood care by combining classroom-style learning, nutrition support and digital monitoring, with the aim of improving school readiness and developmental outcomes during the most formative years.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
