Lucknow, Aug. 16 -- The state government formally opened 5118 Balvatikas - government run playgroup or pre primary schools - across Uttar Pradesh as a world of learning and play for young children on Independence Day, a spokesperson said.

The basic education department launched Balvatikas in 5,118 schools across the state. In collaboration with the ministry of women and child development (ICDS), nearby Anganwadi centres have been shifted to these schools and upgraded with modern facilities.

Kanchan Verma, director-general, school education, inaugurated Adarsh Bal Vatika Vishrampur in Bakshi Ka Talab block of Lucknow district. She said, "National Education Policy 2020 emphasises on school consolidation by grouping small and limited use s...