Mangaluru: The shortage of dedicated buildings for Anganwadi centres in Mangaluru has forced the Department of Women and Child Development (WCD) to rely on expensive rented spaces. Out of 228 sanctioned centres in the city, only 108 have their own structures, while others operate from government buildings. The WCD urgently requires land for 96 centres, with site identification for 48 already underway in the first phase.

Dakshina Kannada district has 2,131 approved Anganwadi centres, including 326 in Belthangady, 169 in Sullia, 228 in Mangaluru City, 463 in Mangaluru Rural, 341 in Bantwal, 229 in Vitla, and 375 in Puttur. Of these, 1,923 operate from their own buildings, while 55 function in community halls, 62 in schools, and 54 in rented spaces—48 of which are within MCC limits.

During a recent KDP meeting, officials raised the land shortage issue with District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. MLC Ivan D’Souza and MLA D Vedavyas Kamath urged the minister to expedite solutions, suggesting that vacant government school buildings could house Anganwadi centres.

DC Mullai Muhilan MP stressed the need for immediate site allocation. The district minister instructed MCC and WCD officials to work together to secure locations and transition centres from rented premises to government buildings.