CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Government has taken a significant step towards improving the quality of services provided by Anganwadi centers by announcing the construction of 1, 000 new centers across the state.
Sharing details, Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the Punjab Government will build these centers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Each center will be constructed at a cost of ₹12 lakh. To ensure a child- and mother-friendly environment, these centers will include proper flooring, painting, plumbing, electrification and woodwork.
The Cabinet Minister further explained that the construction work under MGNREGA is being carried out in collaboration with the Department of Rural Development. This initiative integrates resources following the guidelines of the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS). Dr. Kaur also mentioned that 53 centers have already been completed, focusing on providing high-quality facilities in Punjab.
In addition to constructing new centers, the Punjab Government is upgrading 350 existing Anganwadi centers across the state. These upgraded centers will feature enhanced facilities to ensure better service delivery for beneficiaries.
She highlighted that the upgradation work is progressing rapidly and the government aims to complete all upgraded Anganwadi centers by January 31, 2025. This reflects the Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure.
Speaking on the importance of these projects, Social Security Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “This initiative ensures holistic development by improving the infrastructure of care centers for children and mothers.”