The Jammu and Kashmir government has sought sanction for 6,500 more anganwadi centres from the central government in order to bring all areas under integrated child development scheme (ICDS).

"The Centre has been approached for sanctioning of more 6,500 anganwadi centres to bring all the areas under ICDS, which looks after maternal and child health and nutrition, in Jammu and Kashmir," social welfare minister Sakina Itoo said on Monday.

A proposal for creating basic infrastructure for anganwadi centres has already been submitted to the central government for approval, she said.

Stating that 28,000 anganwadi centres are working in the state, she said that the government is trying to ensure timely payment of pension to the beneficiaries and a lot has been achieved in this direction.

A survey would be conducted through anganwadi centres to ascertain the population of physically challenged in the state, so that the centre could be approached for financial assistance for them accordingly, she added.

The minister has also asked department officers and functionaries to launch a massive awareness campaign in their respective areas to bring more beneficiaries under the welfare schemes.