Lakshmi Hebbalkar, the Karnataka Minister for Women’s and Children’s Development, recently visited Smriti Irani, the Union Minister for Women’s and Children’s Welfare, in New Delhi. The meeting revolved around extensive discussions where Hebbalkar sought financial support for various centrally sponsored development projects for Belgaum. Their dialogue encompassed multiple facets of the schemes under the Department of Women and Child Welfare.
Hebbalkar specifically appealed for funds pertaining to the Sakhi One Stop Centre, Sakhi Nivas, Shakti Sadan, Ujwal, and Swadhara house projects. During the interaction, she highlighted the issue of delayed distribution of rice and wheat to Anganwadis under the ICDS project for the past year, urging for swift action in releasing these provisions.
Additionally, Hebbalkar brought to the Union Minister’s attention the necessity for an infant development office and staff allocation for the newly formed 51 taluks in the state. She also proposed the conversion of Anganwadi centers under the Saksham project into smart classrooms.
Responding positively to Hebbalkar’s requests, Minister Smriti directed officials to prepare a report and expedite the release of funds. The meeting was attended by State Women’s and Children’s Development Department Secretary JC Prakash and the Minister’s Special Duty Officer BH Nischal.
