NEW FACILITIES AND UPGRADES PLANNED AT A COST OF ₹200 CRORE
RECRUITMENT OF 3,000 WORKERS AND HELPERS TO FOLLOW
Chandigarh, January 9:
The Punjab Government is set to construct 1,419 new Anganwadi centers to foster the comprehensive development of women and children across the state. These centers will be built and existing ones upgraded at a total cost of ₹200 crore, as announced by Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Dr. Kaur emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of women and children. She outlined plans to construct new centers, upgrade existing facilities, and enhance infrastructure with improved sanitation, furniture, and essential amenities. “This initiative is not just about constructing buildings but creating an environment conducive to children’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development,” Dr. Kaur said.
Phase-Wise Progress and Upgrades
In the project’s first phase, construction of 1,000 Anganwadi centers is underway. Of these, 56 have been completed, 644 are under construction, and work on 300 centers will begin shortly, with approvals for 156 centers already in place.
The government is also upgrading 350 existing Anganwadi centers with enhanced facilities at an estimated cost of ₹7 crore. These upgrades aim to provide improved services to beneficiaries and ensure centers are equipped to support their local communities effectively.
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Sanitation and Drinking Water Facilities
The Punjab Government has allocated ₹7.78 crore for the construction of 2,162 new toilets at Anganwadi centers. Additionally, ₹35.30 lakh has been earmarked to install drinking water facilities at 353 centers, ensuring access to clean and safe water for all beneficiaries.
Saksham Anganwadi Centers
Dr. Kaur announced the transformation of 100 Anganwadi centers in Moga and Ferozepur districts into “Saksham Anganwadi Centers.” With a budget of ₹94.80 lakh, these centers will feature upgraded infrastructure, including RO water units, LED lighting, furniture, and Poshan Vatika (nutritional gardens).
50 Years of ICDS in Punjab
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program, launched in 1975 from Block Nurpur Bedi in Rupnagar district, will soon complete 50 years of operation. To commemorate this milestone, the state government has allocated ₹21.85 crore for furniture in 21,851 Anganwadi centers.
Upcoming Recruitment and Merit-Based Hiring
Responding to questions about staffing, Dr. Kaur shared that 3,000 Anganwadi workers and helpers will be recruited soon. She also highlighted the transparent, merit-based recruitment of 5,000 workers and helpers last year, underscoring the government’s commitment to fairness in hiring.
Commitment to Women and Children’s Welfare
Dr. Baljit Kaur reaffirmed that under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, the Punjab Government remains dedicated to improving Anganwadi centers’ basic infrastructure and holistic development initiatives in the current year.
Deputy Directors Sumandeep Kaur and Gulbahar Singh Toor from the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, were also present at the event.
This initiative represents a significant step toward ensuring a supportive and nurturing environment for women and children, setting a strong foundation for their future well-being.
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