Hyderabad: The Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department has accelerated efforts to construct new gram panchayat (GP) and Anganwadi buildings across the state, with a target of two each per mandal.
The department has finalised plans to build 1,144 GP buildings and 1,148 Anganwadi centres this year. Site identification is in the final stages. For GP buildings, sites have been identified in 549 villages, with 84 still pending. Anganwadi buildings have sites cleared in 813 locations, while 98 sites remain to be identified.
Construction has begun in several locations, with progress varying across districts. Districts like Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, and tribal belt areas like Adilabad and Nirmal have faced difficulties in site identification. Director of Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Srujana has urged district collectors to expedite the process.
Minister for Panchayat Raj & Rural Development Dr Danasari Seethakka instructed officials to adopt a unique design model for the new structures. The aim is to ensure that GP and Anganwadi buildings are visually distinct and easily recognisable statewide. Separate architectural plans are being drawn up by the engineering division.
Each GP building will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹20 lakh under the employment guarantee scheme. For Anganwadi centres, ₹12 lakh per unit has been earmarked—₹8 lakh from core funds, ₹2 lakh from the 15th Finance Commission, and another ₹2 lakh from the Women and Child Welfare Department.
The Minister for Panchayat Raj & Rural Development stressed the need to complete site approvals within the first quarter to avoid delays that have affected previous construction cycles. Foundation work is expected to begin shortly. Seethakka commended district officials for accelerating the identification process.