Karnatakawomen's empowermentPriyank KhargeKalaburagianganwadi workers
Minister Highlights Ongoing Gender Struggle, Announces Anganwadi Appointments in Kalaburagi
Published: May 9, 2026
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Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday reaffirmed the state government's commitment to women's empowerment during an International Women's Day event in Kalaburagi, emphasizing sustained efforts to ensure equal social and economic opportunities for women. Speaking at the S.M. Pandit Ranga Mandir auditorium, Kharge cited historical reform movements and the constitutional framework established by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as foundational to gender equality in India.
Kharge highlighted ongoing structural inequalities despite centuries of reform, pointing to 12th-century reformer Basaveshwara's Anubhava Mantapa as an early model of gender inclusion. He credited Ambedkar for institutionalizing equal rights, including employment and equal pay, and underscored current state schemes such as Gruha Lakshmi and Shakti to boost women's economic independence and mobility.
The minister announced the appointment of 1,036 anganwadi workers and helpers in Kalaburagi district, whose orders were distributed at the event. He praised anganwadi workers as critical to early childhood development and acknowledged their role in last-mile delivery of welfare services, with 313 child marriages prevented in the district through coordinated efforts by the Social Welfare Department and Child Protection Unit.
Officials from district administration and local governance bodies attended the event, including Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Tarannum, City Police Commissioner S.D. Sharanappa, and several MLAs and MLCs. The state government will continue expanding grassroots staffing and monitoring mechanisms to strengthen women and child welfare programmes across rural Karnataka.