
Foundation Stone Laid for a 20-Crore Bal Bhavan Project in Belagavi
Belagavi: Minister for Women and Child Development, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, stated that a Bal Bhavan more beautiful and unique than the one in Bengaluru will be constructed in Belagavi. The foundation stone for the 20-crore project was laid in a ceremony where the minister emphasized her vision for a well-equipped and modern facility for children.

The Bal Bhavan will be built jointly by the Department of Women and Child Development, Belagavi District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Jawahar Bal Bhavan Society, Nirmithi Kendra, and the District Bal Bhavan Committee. The facility will be located on a 4-acre plot in the heart of the city, which has a market value exceeding ₹100 crore.

Speaking at the event, Minister Hebbalkar highlighted Belagavi’s growth as the state’s second capital, stating that development projects and infrastructure must match this status. She announced that the department will also construct its own building, with ₹6 crore already sanctioned. Of the ₹20 crore approved for the Bal Bhavan, ₹2 crore has been released to kickstart the project.
The Bal Bhavan will feature amenities such as a toy train, a fantasy park, and facilities to enable children to learn and play simultaneously. “This center will be a perfect space for children to learn, play, and grow,” the minister added.
Promotion of Gruhalakshmi Scheme Essential
Addressing the media, the minister highlighted the success of the Gruhalakshmi Scheme, which has exceeded expectations. She stressed the need for further promotion of the scheme, adding that its popularity is evident as other states, including Maharashtra, have begun replicating it.
I will be taking women who have benefitted from the Gruhalakshmi Scheme to Vidhana Soudha tomorrow to familiarize them with the administrative system and governance,” she added.
No One is Above the Law
Responding to the Panchamasali reservation agitation, the minister urged protesters to stay within the legal framework and avoid provocative actions. “No one is above the law, she firmly stated.
The event was attended by Belagavi North MLA Raju Seth, Bal Bhavan Society President G.R. Naidu, Zilla Panchayat CEO Rahul Shinde, Director of the Women and Child Development Department N. Siddeshwar, Corporator Sandeep, Special Duty Officer B.H. Nischal, and other officials from the Women and Child Development Department.