Union Government on 24 June 2015 launched the first modernised Anganwadi centre of India at Hasanpur village. The centre was inaugurated by Maneka Gandhi, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development (WCD).

The centre has been set up as part of Nand-Ghar Yojana of Union Government. Its main aim aims at transforming the anganwadi centres. The anganwadi centre has been built in partnership with private mining firm Vedanta at a cost of 12 lakh rupees, while the land was provided by the Gram Panchayat.

About Anganwadi centres

• Anganwadi centres were started by the Ministry of WCD in 1975.
• It is a part of the ICDS programme to combat child hunger and malnutrition.
• As of now, a network of 13.4 lakh anganwadis has been established in every village, town, city and other habitations.

Modernised Anganwadi Centres

•  A modernised anganwadi centre must have a separate sitting room for children/women, separate kitchen, store for food items and dedicated space for children to play.

Why the need of Modern Anganwadi Arise?

•  In a recent audit by the government it was found that most of the centres lacked essential infrastructure for maintenance of hygiene and sanitation.
• Many of them were also found working under trees, in open spaces, dilapidated buildings and temporary structures.
• The need for such modernized anganwadi centres, which will be opened across the country at 4000 other places.