Anganwadi building works move at snail's pace in Srikakulam

Srikakulam: More than half of the Anganwadi centres are being run in rented rooms across the district. Though the government released funds for construction of own buildings, works are going on at snail's pace.

There are 4,192 Anganwadi centres in the district. Out of them, 1,308 are being run in own buildings (government buildings), 1,786 are run in rented rooms and the remaining 1098 centers are being maintained in small rooms at local primary schools, panchayat offices and community halls.

Previous TDP government sanctioned funds four years ago for construction of own buildings to all 2,884 Anganwadi centres all over the district which are not having own buildings.

In 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 state government sanctioned funds for construction of 1,146 Anganwadi buildings and in later years funds were allotted for remaining buildings. To overcome funds and labour scarcity, government attached these works to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

But works are yet to started for centres in Pathapatnam, Gara, Ponduru and other mandals. Building works in some mandals were started two years ago but yet to be completed. In some areas building works were stopped in mid-way.

Due to lack of availability of own buildings, children are facing hardships and staff members are unable to prepare food for children at the centers. Project Director for Integrated Women and Child Welfare Society (IWCWS), D Anitha is unable to explain the reasons for the delay in construction works.