Punjab has completed the construction of 892 modern Anganwadi Centres as part of an ambitious initiative to strengthen early childhood care and education, with the remaining facilities expected to become operational soon, according to the state government.
The project, which aims to establish 1,024 upgraded Anganwadi Centres across Punjab, is intended to provide children with improved learning environments, better nutrition support and enhanced childcare facilities, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said construction work on the remaining 132 centres has entered its final phase and will be completed shortly. Once operational, the network is expected to significantly expand access to quality early childhood education and care across the state.
The Minister said the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to ensuring that children, irrespective of their economic or social background, have access to safe, modern and stimulating learning environments. She said the objective is to provide infrastructure and educational opportunities that encourage holistic development during the formative years of childhood.
According to the government, the newly developed centres have been designed with a strong focus on child-friendly infrastructure and will offer facilities intended to support learning, health and overall well-being. Officials believe that improving the quality of Anganwadi services can play a crucial role in strengthening foundational education while addressing issues such as child nutrition and early cognitive development.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said the new centres represent more than physical infrastructure, describing them as community spaces where children from rural and economically weaker families can receive quality care, early education and opportunities for social development. She added that creating a safe and encouraging environment during the early years is essential for nurturing confidence, curiosity and lifelong learning.
The government has also emphasised the role of the upgraded Anganwadi Centres in combating malnutrition and improving child health outcomes. Alongside educational activities, the centres are expected to support nutrition programmes and contribute to the physical, emotional and cognitive development of children.
Under Mission Saksham, each Anganwadi Centre has been allocated ₹10 lakh to develop essential infrastructure. The funding is being utilised to provide facilities such as adequate seating, safe drinking water, improved sanitation and dedicated learning spaces designed to support age-appropriate educational activities.
The state government says the modernisation programme forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen the social sector by investing in early childhood care, education and nutrition. Officials believe that improving Anganwadi infrastructure will not only enhance learning outcomes but also help create a stronger foundation for future educational achievement.
With more than 85 per cent of the targeted centres already completed, the initiative marks a significant step in expanding early childhood services across Punjab. Once the remaining centres are commissioned, the government expects the upgraded network to improve access to quality pre-school education while ensuring that children across the state benefit from safer, healthier and more inclusive learning environments.
