Chitrakoot DM sets an example by enrolling daughter in government Anganwadi

Pulkit Garg, the District Magistrate of Chitrakoot, has enrolled his three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Siya, at a government Anganwadi near Kavi Ka Dhanush Chowk, choosing it over private play schools in the district.

The decision followed Garg’s personal visits to several private pre-schools and Anganwadi centers soon after taking charge in Chitrakoot.

Officials said he reviewed classroom activities, facilities, and overall learning conditions before selecting the government-run center for his child.

At the Anganwadi, Siya attends daily activities and eats the midday meal with around 35 other children.

The move has drawn attention across the district, with many residents interpreting it as a clear endorsement of the public early childhood education system.

Local parents and educators say the choice has sparked discussion about the quality of government services.

Garg’s decision is being viewed as a signal that senior officials trust Anganwadis and are willing to hold them to the same standards they expect for their own families.

The development comes at a time when private pre-schools continue to dominate parental preferences.

The Annual Status of Education Report 2024 shows that Anganwadis remain the largest provider of early education for children aged three and four, while nearly one in three five-year-olds attends a private pre-school.

Parents often cite English instruction, smaller class sizes, and perceived quality as key reasons for choosing private institutions.

Government data from UDISE+ point to steady improvements in public facilities, with most schools and Anganwadis now equipped with drinking water, electricity, and girls’ toilets.

However, gaps remain in access to computers, internet connectivity, and other modern infrastructure, which continue to influence how parents judge quality.

Education officials say Garg’s decision may not immediately change enrollment patterns, but it has highlighted the progress made in government early childhood services.

In Chitrakoot, a senior administrator’s child sharing a midday meal with classmates at an Anganwadi has become a visible example of confidence in public education.