Odisha Launches Jadupedi Kits to Enhance Early Childhood Learning in 45,000 Schools
Bhubaneswar, April 29, 2025 — In a major step to promote foundational literacy and numeracy, the Odisha government has announced the distribution of Jadupedi learning kits to 45,000 schools across the state. Targeted at Sishu Vatika (pre-primary) and Classes I and II, the initiative is designed to create a joyful and engaging learning environment for children aged 3 to 8 years.
Each Jadupedi kit, developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), costs approximately ₹20,000 and includes toys, games, learning tools, and activity materials tailored for young learners. The state government has allocated ₹90 crore to implement this large-scale educational reform.
CM Praises the Initiative
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, after reviewing the Jadupedi kit, expressed his satisfaction, stating:
“These materials will help young children learn through locally relatable toys and activities. Jadupedi will not only aid in their cognitive development but also attract them to regular classroom learning.”
The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on foundational stage learning. According to a senior official in the School and Mass Education Department, the Jadupedi kits will be used to conduct games, storytelling sessions, music, dance, and group activities—making the classroom a place where learning is fun and interactive.
NEP 2020 and Structural Reform
As part of NEP 2020 implementation, the Odisha government has introduced a Sishu Vatika in all primary schools. Beginning from the 2025–26 academic session, the entry age for Class I will be increased to six years, aligning with the policy’s vision. This change transitions the traditional 10+2 system to the new 5+3+3+4 model, where the first five years focus on early childhood care and education (ECCE), including two years in Anganwadi centres and three years in school (including Sishu Vatika).
Making Learning Fun and Effective
Educators across the state believe that the Jadupedi kits will significantly benefit children’s early learning experiences. Ranjita Pradhan, a primary school teacher at a government school, said:
“With children having little attention span and being more attracted to mobile phones than books, the Jadupedi learning kit can be a game changer. It makes learning enjoyable and improves foundational learning abilities.”
Conclusion
The introduction of Jadupedi learning kits in Odisha’s schools marks a progressive step toward building strong academic foundations. By integrating interactive and culturally relevant tools into classrooms, the state aims to ensure that children not only learn but enjoy learning, setting the tone for lifelong educational engagement.
