Gujarat: Even after spending crores, Anganwadi centres remain in dismal condition
Despite a huge budget allotted for the project, 7,097 of these centres are still running in the rented accommodations
1,792 of these centres still await a decision for a repair
Updated: Aug 29th, 2023
Condition of more than 5,000 Anganwadi centres is deteriorating in Gujarat. Even though the government provides a grant in the budget every year, these centres have started showing signs of deterioration within a year of renovation, owing to the substandard construction materials.
The state has 53,029 Anganwadi centres, under the Department of Women & Child Development. Though the number of the centres seem impressive at first glance, the situation on the ground level is nothing to be proud of.
Numbers paint an alarming picture
According to a survey, 42,421 centres are operated in their independent buildings, however, over 25% of these centres are unfit to be learning centres due to the condition of the buildings.
Despite a huge budget allotted for the project, 7,097 of these centres are still running in the rented accommodations. Of which, 15% are in buildings that are decaying and not safe for children.
Additionally, out of 3,511 centres operational in the government buildings, 30% have issues like leakage in monsoon, and the doors and windows are broken in these centres.
The department of women and child development has officially admitted that 4,622 Anganwadi centres operated in their own buildings are very dilapidated. These are the centres that require immediate repair.
Out of these centres 2,830 have been taken up for reconstruction through convergence and various schemes at the district level, however, 1,792 of these centres still await a decision for a repair.
The report was handed over to the government
A report has been handed over to the government stating that these centres where the children are studying need to be closed down immediately till they are repaired, but no action has been taken.
A top official of the department said that the department has decided to spend ₹50 crores this year for 2,500 Anganwadi centres with each centre receiving a sanctioned expenditure of ₹2 lakh.
However, according to the survey conducted on the condition of Anganwadi, the cost of repairs for these centres can even go as far as ₹500 crores.
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