TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: This anganwadi operating from a one-room structure has a roof, but no walls. Torn and shabby looking plastic material, hanging from the roof, act as a wall to protect the tiny tots from rain and shine. And the one-room premise houses everyone and everything ~ students, instructors, cupboards, kitchen, gas cylinder et al ~ but has no sanitary provision.
Opened in Benaulim under Project Salcete of the Integrated Child Development Services, this anganwadi is craving for attention. The surroundings aren’t better either, with the entire area littered with filth and waste.
It is just a stone’s throw away from the residence of local MLA Caitu Silva, who has taken up cudgels for the young minds for a decent classroom with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. “I was touched by the horrible conditions in which the anganwadi functions. There are no walls for the structure housing the anganwadi. There are neither toilets nor playing facilities for the small students. I had invited the Chief Minister to see for himself the condition of the anwanwadi and the government is working out a solution,” he said.
If Caitu is to be believed, the condition of the anganwadi is just the tip of the ice berg, saying that the situation in the remaining such institutes is anything better. “In Colva, we are chipping in the funds to pay the rent. Though adequate provision is made to provide meals for the students, the anganwadis lack basic infrastructure to operate,” he lamented.
Replying to a question, the Benaulim MLA made a fervent appeal to the anganwadi officials to pursue the serious matter with their higher ups in Delhi. “Anganwadi is a central government scheme. Unless the officials concerned push the file for re-structuring of the scheme, the ground reality will remain the same,” he said.
Taking cognisance of the pitiable condition of the anganwadi at Pulvado, the government is planning to allot space in the primary school for the anganwadi, with Caitu saying the government has agreed in principle to shift the Pulvado anganwadi to the government school.
