Lathor: Children taking lessons and food under trees and in the open has become a common sight, owing to lack of buildings for Anganwadi centres.
Even as the government is pumping in crores for supply of nutritious foods to minor children, lack of basic infrastructure like a kitchen buildings, electricity and water has deprived the children of their rights.
Most of the Anganwandi centres lack kitchens. To make things worse, the helper cooks the food in open, making it prone to insects and other reptiles. On most occasions, some insects fall into the food and students fall ill after consuming the food.
A case in point is the dilapidated condition of Anganwadi centre at Tankapani Patrapali panchayat under Khaprakhol block in Bolangir district. With just one building, the anganwadi centre lacks kitchen, bathroom and even drinking water facilities.
Students often take their food under open sky. Children below five years age can be seen eating outside, sitting on the ground. Things turn worse during winter and rainy season.
With no other option, the Anganwadi worker shuts down for the day in such situations, depriving students of nutritious food. Moreover, the anganwadi centre is far away from the village. Since, the centre is located a bit far residents are reluctant to send their wards there.
Moreover, parents alleged the anganwadi worker of playing truancy and not opening it regularly for children. They also accused her of providing substandard food.
Villagers demanded the administration to look into the issue and build a kitchen and take steps in providing good nutritious food to their children.
PNN