Sri Vijaya Puram | January 06, 2026
A five-day capacity building programme for Key Resource Persons (KRPs) of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the foundational stage for the effective implementation of Balvatika, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, was inaugurated on January 5, 2026 at the State Institute of Education (SIE), Sri Vijaya Puram.
The programme is being jointly organised by the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), NCERT, Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with the State Institute of Education, Sri Vijaya Puram, and will continue till January 9, 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of KRPs to support early childhood education reforms envisaged under NEP 2020, with a focus on developmentally appropriate, play-based learning.
Ms. Sangeeta Chand, Principal of SIE and DIET, attended the inaugural function as the chief guest. Addressing the participants, she highlighted that Balvatikas form the foundational pillars of lifelong learning and play a vital role in ensuring the holistic development of young learners at the early stages of education.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera emphasised the critical importance of Balvatikas as envisioned in NEP 2020. He particularly underlined the pedagogical significance of “Jaadui Pitara” as an innovative teaching–learning resource to promote joyful, experiential and play-based learning among young children.
The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by the Programme Coordinator, SIE, and concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Varun Ashokan, Assistant Professor, RIE, NCERT, Bhubaneswar.
A total of 40 Key Resource Persons from different parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are participating in the capacity building programme.
