Nuapada: Even as the chilling cold compelled people to remain indoors, a group of minor children were forced to assemble under a tree for their daily lessons at Lakhna gram panchayat under Komna block in Nuapada district.
For them, it’s a routine day. This has been their plight for many years now courtesy absence of an Anganwadi centre in the panchayat.
Even though the state government launched Anganwadi scheme for early childhood development, children in this panchayat are deprived of the benefits. They have been taking lessons and provided nutritious food under the tree for years now after repeated requests by locals to set up an Anganwadi centre went in vain.
The locals initially used an old thatched house made of bamboos as an Anganwadi centre. With broken walls and no roof, the house posed a threat to the children. Left with no options, the locals took up the tree shade as their Anganwadi centre.
The Anganwadi centre accommodates 53 children. Being in interior area, the panchayat is not provided with a primary school leaving the centre to serve as the only source of education. The tree serves as shelter for children throughout the year. Locals fear it might collapse anytime.
The rainy season adds to the woes of children who have to take their lessons in someone’s verandah, locals said.
We have sought an Anganwadi centre in the panchayat and have written several letters. However, no steps have been taken in this regard so far, locals complained. Even as officials visit here on the pretext of beginning the work, nothing happens on ground, they added.
When contacted, the district social welfare officer (DSWO) Bijaylaxmi Raiguru said they have got the report of the Anganwadi centre. Steps would be taken soon, she said. PNN
