Chitrakoot DM sets precedent, enrolls 3-year-old daughter in Anganwadi school
Chitrakoot DM Pulkit Garg enrolled his daughter in a government anganwadi, challenging traditional views on private schooling in India. This move aims to build public trust and confidence in government-run education, highlighting significant improvements in quality, resources, and environment. He urged parents to embrace public schools for their children's foundational learning, emphasising their values-based, safe environment.
New Delhi: hen most parents in India still opt for private or pre-schools for their kids, a senior official in Uttar Pradesh has admitted his child to a government-run institution. His message is clear and pronounced: public schools need trust, confidence and support.
Pulkit Garg, the District Magistrate of Chitrakoot, has admitted his three-year-old daughter, Siya, in a government anganwadi centre. The move is aimed at encouraging parents to opt for government-run education services.
Siya was enrolled in the playgroup at an anganwadi affiliated to a government composite school in the Naya Bazaar area of Karvi. Four days back, he reportedly personally paid a visit to the school and undertook the admission formalities.
'Ordinary parents shouldn't hesitate'
Garg was quoted as saying to Dainik Bhaskar that the quality of government education has improved significantly. He pointed out that the situation is no longer what it used to be. The quality of education has continuously improved, and there is no dearth of resources. "If an IAS officer can educate his child in a government institution, ordinary parents should not hesitate,” he said.
Garg added that perceptions of government schools and anganwadi centres have improved, particularly regarding infrastructure, learning resources, and the overall environment.
He also put emphasis on a child’s early years, nutrition, health, values and a safe environment. Garga said that anganwadi centres are doing a good job of providing these essentials while helping children learn and grow.
'System will become stronger only when...'
He called on parents, villagers and officials to move beyond social discrimination and put trust in the public education system. "Children here receive education along with values, safety and care. The system will become stronger only when people show faith in it,” Garg said.
After she joined the anganwadi, Siya has been actively engaged in classroom activities. Videos shared on social media show her playing with toys, participating in learning exercises, and dancing to poems alongside other children. The videos have garnered massive online attention.
Garg is serving his first posting as District Magistrate and has been in Chitrakoot for around four months now.
Anganwadi centres are operated under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. They provide supplementary nutrition, early education, health monitoring and opportunities for socialisation during a child’s most formative years.
By enrolling his daughter, the Chitrakoot DM has ensured his daughter shares the same learning environment as thousands of children in the district. This sends across the message that quality public services deserve trust and participation from all, irrespective of status.