Anganwadi centres face financial constraints

Kurnool: Anganwadis centres in the district are in neglect state. The aim of establishing the Anganwadi centres has been fading in due course of time. The Anganwadi centres are unable to provide nutritious food to the children in the age group of 3 to 6 years, pregnant and mothers. The government has not reimbursed the bills for the provisions and vegetables purchased by the organisers. In addition, rents of the centres were not paid for the last 10 months.

There are 217 Anganwadi centres in Bethamcherla, Owk and Banaganapalle mandals. As many as 2,842 women with new born children, 2,734 pregnant women and 11,435 children in the age group of 7 months to 3 yearsand 8,187 in the age group of 3 to 6 years are being fed with mid-day meals, eggs and nutritious food.

But now, the Anganwadi centers are unable to provide nutritious food as the government has not paid funds pertaining to provisions, rents and salaries to workers. The Anganwadi Aayas and workers were not paid salaries for the last four months.

Amount to vegetables purchased has been pending since 3 months and Anganwadi centre rents are also pending for the last 10 months. With this, the organisers are facing hardships. Anganwadi workers and Helpers Union district secretary, Sheba has said that the government is neglecting the Anganwadi centres.

It has not paid rents since10 months. Seven months salaries of Rs.7000 each to Anganwadi workers and Rs.4500 to Aayas are not paid. Gas bills are also not being paid regularly. Anganwadi centres are unable to feed the children, pregnant and baby mothers. She further stated that the organizers have to borrow amount from outsiders to run the centres.

By Narendra Kumar