Anganwadi centres in disarray

The Nayagarh anganwadi wall collapse which claimed seven children may have triggered a series of inquiries but such incidents are not new in Ganjam district.

In 2009, one kid was crushed to death under a wall of an anganwadi centre at Kelua village in Patrapur block. The same year saw two more injured in a wall collapse at Paramanandapur village in Seragada block.

The inquiry by the District Project Coordinator termed the incidents as accidental. It is being alleged that many more such incidents have gone unreported.

Social welfare office sources said, there are 4,953 anganwadi centres in the district, of which only 595 have buildings of their own. While 1,896 centres are being run from rented accommodation, 1,775 from primary schools, 39 in community centres, anganwadi workers have made their own arrangements for the remaining 748 centres, mostly in inaccessible and remote areas.

The centres, other than those functioning from proper buildings, are housed in dilapidated structures amid unhygienic surroundings.

While the administration is well-aware of the state-of-affairs and even apprised the State Government of it for necessary action, there is little headway with non-allocation of funds being blamed for the situation.

The officials entrusted with the implementation of the scheme restrict themselves to supply of ration for mid-day meals and enrolment of students, said an official on condition of anonymity. The district has around 1,35,768 students on the rolls which allegedly is too high compared to the total population. But the administration has never cross-checked the figures, he alleged. The DSWO could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.

Meanwhile, the district collector on July 14 had asked the CDMO, BDOs and SSAs to conduct a survey of all buildings in their respective areas from where anganwadi centres, schools and hospitals are being run. They were asked to submit a report on whether the buildings are fit for occupation by Friday.

Despite the stern warning, the reports are yet to reach the collectorate though the deadline has passed. The officials reportedly have asked for some more time, sources said.