04-07-2025
Dharwad ZP to open 44 Koosina Mane centres
Dharwad: Dharwad zilla panchayat will set up 44 Koosina Manes (childcare centres) in gram panchayats in the district.
A total of 102 Koosina Manes have been already started in the district as per a target set up the state government.
The zilla panchayat has gone a step further by planning to build an additional 44 centres, ZP CEO Bhuvanesh Patil said.
Women labourers working under the MGNREGA scheme in rural areas often struggle to care for their children while at work. The government, recognising this issue, has established Koosina Mane centres in every gram panchayat. Koosina Manes support the care and nourishment of infants aged between six months and three years belonging to rural labourers and daily-wage workers.
Nutritional food
At the district level, a nutrition committee has been formed to monitor children's growth and provide a nutrient-rich diet. The food menu has been designed in coordination with the health department and the women and child development department to ensure physical and developmental needs are met.
Appointment of caretakers
To look after the children enrolled in these centres, caretakers will be appointed. The government has instructed gram panchayats to identify eight women holding active MGNREGA job cards, out of whom two will be selected as caretakers on a rotational basis for each centre. These caretakers will be paid wages under the MGNREGA scheme for 100 days. Women who have passed the 10th grade are eligible for this position, and appropriate training has been provided to them by the taluk panchayat, Bhuvanesh said.
