Gop: Many Anganwadi centres (AWCs) in Gop block are yet to have their own buildings even though the state government is spending huge sums on various child development projects.
Though authorities concerned claim that they have constructed concrete buildings for 110 AWCs out of the total 287 in Gop block, reports from the ground levels refute the claim.
It is learnt that many AWCs in Gop are functioning from school verandahs and the residences of workers appointed to these centres.
According to sources, the construction work of many AWCs has been halted due to some reason or others. “People affiliated to the ruling party have been engaged to construct the Aanganwadi buildings in many villages. However, the construction work has been halted due to stiff opposition from activists of other political parties,” said a source familiar to the development.
Villagers claim that two influential persons from the ruling party have constructed two concrete buildings for an AWC at Ogalpur. But, the block authorities are yet to hand over the buildings to the Aanganwadi workers. “Political rivalry has resulted in construction of two buildings for Ogalpur Aanganwadi centre. The block authorities are in catch 22 situation as to which one to take under possession,” said a villager. Sources claimed that the Bhairipur AWC is functioning from a school verandah even though the construction of a concrete building for the centre was launched 10 years ago.
“The state government has allocated funds for construction of Aanganwadi centre buildings in Gop. But, political rivalry has affected the work of the projects,” said a source in Gop block.
Gop block assistant engineer Prafulla Kumar Lenka said they were trying to expedite construction work of Aanganwadi buildings. “We will soon hand over the concrete buildings to Aanganwadi workers,” he added.
Patchy progress: AWCs in gop run from school verandahs
