KATHUA: In a landmark step towards strengthening grassroots childcare and maternal health services, the District Administration Kathua today dedicated a state-of-the-art Model Anganwadi Centre at Kabir Nagar.
The maiden facility was jointly inaugurated by Member Legislative Assembly Kathua, Dr. Bharat Bhushan and Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Dr. Rakesh Minhas.
Designed with a child-centric approach, the Model Anganwadi Centre features safe and vibrant infrastructure including age-appropriate furniture, engaging play equipment, modern teaching-learning aids, a fully equipped kitchen, clean and child-friendly toilets, a ventilated storage area and a dedicated hand-washing unit scaled to child height. A small kitchen garden has also been developed to promote awareness around nutrition and healthy eating habits.
The facility, which amalgamates services of three peripheral Anganwadi Centres, has the capacity to serve over 250 beneficiaries, including children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. The centre aims to offer a secure and nurturing environment focused on growth monitoring, early learning and maternal care.
Speaking on the occasion, the MLA applauded the district administration for its vision in establishing Anganwadi Centres on modern lines. “These upgraded facilities are at par with private setups and will certainly encourage greater community participation in government welfare initiatives,” he said. He also urged local families to actively engage with and benefit from the services being offered.
The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the significance of early childhood care and the role of infrastructure in ensuring safe and effective service delivery. “By creating a healthy, safe and educational environment, we’re investing in the future of our children and empowering mothers at the grassroots level,” he stated. He expressed gratitude to Kandhari Group for supporting the construction of the centre under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
Dr. Minhas also informed that more such model centres are being developed across the district to serve as replicable models for Anganwadi transformation.
The inaugural event witnessed participation of CDPO Kathua Haqikat Singh, ICDS functionaries, Anganwadi workers, community elders and local residents.
