Mangaluru: Rotary International district 3181 has taken up upgradation of anganwadis in the four revenue districts under its jurisdiction for the Rotary year starting July 1 as the major Rotary district project for 2017-18. Named Asha Spoorthi, the programme will see 3,300-odd members from 72 Rotary clubs in Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Mysuru and Chamarajanagar embark on a mission to upgrade infrastructure in 250 anganwadis in the respective districts.

Rohinath Pade, district governor elect of RI District 3181 whose team will be installed at Cordel Hall, Kulshekar here on June 30 told reporters that upkeep of anganwadis has always been an issue close to his heart ever since he was president of Rotary Club – Mangalore North in 2008-09.

“I continued the same when I was elected assistant governor in 2011-12,” Rohinath said, adding it was his secretary in 2008-09, an ICDS officer, who introduced him to anganwadis.

“We have already obtained data on anganwadis from the respective deputy directors, department of women and child welfare from the four districts on anganwadis that we can help,” Rohinath said.

While clubs with members up to 40 will adopt five anganwadis, those with members from 40 to 60 will adopt eight anganwadis and the larger clubs with 60 plus members will do so for 12 anganwadis, he said adding the upgradation will be done with internal funds of clubs.

The scope of the project includes renovation, upgradation of the building, providing wash rooms, drinking water facilities, water purifier, furniture, play park, mid-day meal arrangements, pre-nursery kits, teachers training and any other required facilities to bring them on par with private Kindergartens.

RI has already executed a model project at UBMC angawadi at Boccapatna at a cost of Rs 6 lakh and the unit cost per each of the chosen 250 anganwadis could vary, he said.

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