1K new anganwadi centres on the cards

The Punjab Government has announced the construction of 1,000 new anganwadi centres across the state as part of a major initiative to improve early childhood care and development.

Dr Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, said the new centres would be built under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), with each centre costing Rs 12 lakh. The new facilities would be designed to provide a child and mother-friendly environment, featuring proper flooring, painting, plumbing, electrification and woodwork to ensure a safe and comfortable space for children and caregivers.

The project would be carried out in collaboration with the Department of Rural Development. Dr Kaur also noted that 53 centres had already been completed and the focus was on delivering high-quality services to the beneficiaries.