Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab's Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur on Thursday announced that the state government has completed the construction of 892 modern Anganwadi Centres as part of its mission to strengthen early childhood care and education. The remaining 132 centres are in the final stage of construction and will soon be dedicated to children across the state.
Dr. Baljit said the Bhagwant Mann-led government had set a target of establishing 1,024 new Anganwadi Centres to provide children with safe, child-friendly and enriching learning environments comparable to those in leading private schools. She asserted that the government would not allow any shortage of funds to hinder initiatives aimed at securing a brighter future for Punjab's children.
Emphasising the importance of early childhood development, Dr. Baljit Kaur said every child, irrespective of economic background, deserves equal access to quality education, play-based learning and a nurturing environment. She described children as the nation's greatest asset and said the new centres are designed to provide safe spaces where they can learn, play and realise their full potential.
Dr. Baljit said the newly built Anganwadi Centres are more than just infrastructure projects, calling them spaces where the dreams of children from rural and underprivileged families will flourish. She added that the centres would also play a key role in combating malnutrition, improving children's health and supporting their physical and cognitive development.
According to the minister, each Anganwadi Centre is being developed under prescribed quality standards with a strong focus on safety, inclusivity and child-friendly infrastructure. Under Mission Saksham, ₹10 lakh has been allocated for every centre to provide essential facilities, including adequate seating, safe drinking water, modern sanitation and interactive learning spaces.
Dr. Baljit Kaur reaffirmed that the Punjab Government remains committed to investing in quality early childhood care and education, ensuring every child has access to a nurturing environment and equal opportunities to grow into healthy, confident and capable citizens.
