Daringbadi/Brahmanigaon: Crores of rupees are sanctioned for construction of Anganwadi centres in villages and tribal pockets with the sole aim of improving the socio-economic conditions of the underprivileged. Similarly, a host of schemes are being launched. But a look at the Anganwadi centre here in Tajungia panchayat under Daringbadi block in Kandhamal district makes one wonder where all the funds have gone.
The centre functions from a roadside thatched eatery on Mahagudi road with walls made of bamboo sticks and logs. Children and Anganwadi teacher have to sit on the ground. Earlier, the Anganwadi used to run from an isolated house in the village. Fearing that its wall might collapse anytime, the children were made to come to the eatery, it is learnt.
This move has affected the attendance of students, said the centre’s assistant cook Nandini Nayak. “While at least 36 children attended earlier, only 6-7 turn up these days,” she added. More children could attend the Anganwadi centre if a permanent building is allotted, Nandini said.
“I teach the students with whatever little knowledge I have and rhymes I learnt,” said Nandini claiming that there were no teachers at the centre. Pregnant women and children are not provided with nutritious food, alleged a local Lily Nayak.
The locals also complained that no eggs were served to the students. They have been pressing for a permanent concrete Anganwadi building for the future of the children. Vehicles running on the road pollute the food served to the children as the eatery lies alongside the main road, the locals said.
Although they had earlier pleaded with the local school headmaster to provide space in the school to run the centre, they are still waiting for his approval. At a time when the school and the Mass Education Department are stressing the need to strengthen primary education, its efforts have been ineffective in some respects in this tribal-dominated district. Locals blame the incompetence of the administration for the sorry state of the Anganwadi centre.
When contacted, Baliguda sub-collector Suranjan Pradhan said that he was unaware of the complaints and would take necessary measures. PNN
