Bengaluru anganwadis to introduce creche facilities from April

Bengaluru’s anganwadi centres will soon expand their services to include daycare facilities for infants and toddlers under the ‘Anganwadi cum Creche’ initiative. Starting in April, this move aims to support working mothers who struggle with childcare post-maternity, often facing high private daycare costs.

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The Women and Child Development Department is implementing this program under the child development scheme, ensuring affordable daycare options. Currently, Anganwadis cater to children aged 3 to 6 years by providing nutritious meals and basic education. With the new initiative, children aged 2 to 3 years will also receive early learning opportunities.

Funded by the central government, the initiative builds on a successful pilot project conducted in Dakshina Kannada last year. Encouraged by its success, authorities are now rolling it out across Karnataka. To ensure smooth operations, vacancies for Anganwadi workers and assistants will be filled.

These daycare centres will be accessible to families across all socio-economic backgrounds, not just underprivileged groups. The initiative is expected to ease the burden on working women while promoting early childhood development in a structured environment.