Poor condition of anganwadi centres threatens kids, new admissions

A case in point is the centre at Keezha Araipatti village in Arayapatti panchayat near Alangudi in Pudukkottai district. As one enters the centre, which is house at least 25 kids, he or she will be shocked to find an ill-maintained building with electric lines plying too low.

Gaping holes can also be spotted on the ceiling in many places and the structure looks like it may collapse anytime. The scene is no different on the floor as well. With the kitchen also located close to this room, the kids face a risk of radiation.

Pointing to the absence of a proper door and toilet, Mathiazhagan, a social activist based in Pudukkottai, said, “While there are a lot of problems with these centres in Tamil Nadu, especially in Pudukkottai district, there is an urgent need to resolve the infrastructure issues at the earliest.”

Mathiazhagan further claimed that the children every day will have sit in fear as the roof may crash or portions may fall from it. “This is a major problem that has to be addressed immediately and the government should ensure proper infrastructure as an anganwadi centre has to be a child-friendly and safe location,” Mathiazhagan said.

The poor condition of these centres pose to be the major reason as to why the parents are hesitant to admit their children as the poor infrastructure coupled with the unhygienic atmosphere is feared to result in serious health issues to the children.

Mathiazhagan said that the Anganwadi centres are to be re-opened soon after the summer holidays and it is time for the government to ensure the stability of the buildings and provide safe roofing, clean drinking water and proper toilet facility in the anganwadi centres.