Maharashtra Launches India's First AI-Powered Anganwadi Centre, Tracks Children's Progress
Since July, children at the anganwadi have been using VR headsets from Meta, AI-enabled interactive smart boards, tablets, and other digital content.
The Maharashtra government has inaugurated India's first AI-powered anganwadi in Waddhamna village, Nagpur district, Maharashtra, located approximately 18 km from the city. The number of students aged 2-6 years attending this anganwadi has increased from 10 to over 25.
Since July, children at the anganwadi have been using VR headsets from Meta, AI-enabled interactive smart boards, tablets, and other digital content to learn poems, songs, and foundational concepts, moving beyond traditional chalks and slates.
This initiative, part of the Nagpur Zilla Parishad's Mission Bal Bharari, aims to provide rural children with the same digital access as their urban counterparts. Launched by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on July 27, the project cost approximately Rs 9.5 lakh from the Zilla Parishad's CESS fund.
Out of the district's 2,202 anganwadis, the one led by Saroj Kukde in Waddhamna was selected as the pilot model due to its accessibility and proximity to other training centres. The anganwadi was equipped with Wi-Fi-enabled CCTV cameras accessible to key stakeholders.
Despite initial challenges in finding a tech partner, the Zilla Parishad collaborated with Qolaba, working under the Centre's IndiaAI programme. The anganwadi was recently refurbished to meet technological requirements and attract more children. Anganwadi workers were trained in smart learning methods, ensuring children from remote areas could learn in a modern, engaging environment.
Qolaba structured the training program into a three-month module.
Kukde now uses 10 VR sets and the interactive smart board for an hour daily to teach students, who spend five hours at the anganwadi six days a week.
The syllabus has been carefully integrated with the AI system to meet the children's needs.
The children now draw on the interactive smart board, learn about animals via VR sets, and save their artwork digitally. Kukde feels proud to be part of this transformative experience, learning new things daily.
Mayank Mukul from Qolaba explains that the AI system tracks each child's progress using gamified learning tools, adjusting difficulty levels based on response times, ensuring individual progress. Anganwadi workers receive structured training sessions thrice a week, coordinated with their schedules to build confidence.
In the next training phase, workers will learn generative AI tools to create new content like text, images, and music.
While Kukde is currently the sole AI-trained worker, weekend sessions have begun for other centres, including visits to the pilot anganwadi for hands-on learning with Qolaba's assistance. Training is conducted in person for better understanding.
Plans are underway to expand the project to 40 more anganwadis, closely track physical and cognitive developments, and use AI tools to evaluate nutrition. The mission aims to bridge the digital divide for rural children.
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First Published:
August 05, 2025, 13:26 IST
News education-career Maharashtra Launches India's First AI-Powered Anganwadi Centre, Tracks Children's Progress
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