The Ballari Zilla Panchayat has formulated a comprehensive plan to construct new buildings for anganwadi centres under the Karnataka Mining Environmental Restoration Corporation Limited (KMERC) grant. The initiative aims to make all anganwadi centres in the district rent-free, addressing long-standing challenges faced by the women and child development department.
Ballari district currently has 1,358 anganwadi centres spread across five taluks. Among these, 417 are located in urban areas and 941 in rural parts. As many as 370 centres are operating from rented buildings, leading to frequent issues related to rent payments and lease agreements. With KMERC funds collected from mining activities now being utilised, officials have confirmed that centres operating from rented premises will soon have their own buildings.
Taluk-Wise Assessment and First Phase
A taluk-wise assessment reveals the following centres identified for infrastructure support under KMERC:
- Sandur taluk: 148 centres, of which 51 function from rented premises.
- Kampli and Kurugodu taluks: 20 such centres each.
- Siruguppa taluk: 23 centres in rented buildings.
- Ballari taluk: 91 centres identified for support.
In the first phase, 198 anganwadi centres have been taken up for construction of new buildings. Priority has been given to centres operating from rented or inadequate structures. The KMERC-funded works include construction of new buildings, repairs, and provision of essential amenities in mining-affected areas.
Approved Grants and Progress
Under the plan, KMERC grants have been approved for a total of 348 centres, covering construction, repairs, and other expenses. In Sandur taluk, 148 centres are to be repaired, and new buildings will be constructed for 51 centres. Tenders and work orders are already in progress for these projects.
In Kampli and Kurugodu taluks, Rs 20 crore has been approved to construct new buildings for 198 anganwadi centres. Meanwhile, Rs 23 crore has been approved in Siruguppa taluk for similar purposes. Approval has also been given to repair 91 centres in Ballari taluk.
CEO's Statement on Land Availability
ZP CEO Muhammad Haris Sumer stated that approval has been granted under KMERC to provide own buildings to anganwadi centres operating from rented premises. He acknowledged that land availability remains a challenge, particularly in urban areas. This issue will be addressed in phases, with the ultimate goal of making the entire district rent-free in terms of anganwadi centres. The phased approach ensures that all centres eventually have permanent structures, improving service delivery for women and children.
