52 anganwadi-cum-creches to come up in Dakshina Kannada

Mangaluru: Department of women and child development (WCD) in Dakshina Kannada district is moving ahead with plans to establish 52 anganwadi-cum-creche facilities as an expansion of a pilot project launched in the district a few months ago.The selected centres will be upgraded from the district's sanctioned strength of 2,131 anganwadi centres to function as integrated childcare facilities. The creches will cater to children aged 6 months to 3 years, while regular anganwadi services will continue for children aged 3 to 6 years.Officials said the creche component will provide a structured environment focused on play and basic learning for younger children, while anganwadi services will continue to offer nutritious food, play activities and foundational lessons for older children.Additional staff will be appointed to manage the new facilities, officials said. The initiative aims to support working parents by providing childcare at existing anganwadi locations. Many women are forced to quit their jobs due to the lack of childcare facilities, an official said, adding that several families are also unable to enrol their children in private creches because of high fees.The anganwadi-cum-creche centres will be started under the Child Development Scheme of WCD. The central govt will provide grants for the centres, where children from all income groups may be enrolled.Dakshina Kannada has 2,131 anganwadi centres, of which 1,934 have their own buildings. Buildings for 25 centres are under construction, while sites are yet to be identified for 48 centres currently operating from rented premises, officials said.