Govt fast-tracks 506 anganwadi buildings in Bastar’s interior

Raipur: Chhattisgarh govt has decided to fast-track construction of permanent buildings for 506 anganwadi centres still operating without infrastructure in Bastar division’s former Maoist-affected districts.

The move covers Bastar, Bijapur, Dantewada, Kanker, Narayanpur and Sukma districts, where many anganwadis continue to function without dedicated buildings despite gradual expansion of roads and public services in recent years.

Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the aim was to ensure that no anganwadi in districts declared “Naxal-free” remains without a proper building.

Officials said each anganwadi building will cost around Rs 11.69 lakh, with funding pooled through convergence of the women and child development department, MGNREGA and local sources such as DMF and CSR funds.

The govt has directed district collectors to prioritise approvals and complete construction by March 2027, CM said.

The proposed buildings will also incorporate the “BaLA” (building as learning aid) concept, under which walls and structures themselves are designed as learning tools for pre-school children.

The state govt said the initiative is aimed at improving nutrition delivery along with strengthening early childhood education, maternal healthcare, vaccination access and safe spaces for women and children in interior tribal belts.