Problems plague anganwadis in Virajpet taluk

Madikeri: Many anganwadi children in Virajpet taluk haven’t been getting food for several months. STOI got confirmation about it from sources who spoke on condition of anonymity as they work in the women and child welfare department. No food is supplied in several anganwadis in Virajpet taluk as mandated by the government.

Meanwhile, in some anganwadis, teachers haven’t been appointed to look after poor children of villages. In many places, the assistant’s posts are vacant. Of 331 anganwadis in Virajpet taluk, there are 321 teachers and 15 posts are vacant. Of 333 assistants, there are 306 with 27 posts vacant. Due to this, many parents have stopped sending children to anganwadis.

STOI checked the records to confirm non-supply of food materials at four anganwadis in Thithamathi panchayat and another anganwadi in Nalkeri panchayat. The Bekkesodluru MHCS women unit has failed to continue food supply for these anganwadis, despite a contract with the department.

At an anganwadi in Nalkeri village, there’s an open well without a cover and this could be dangerous for children. In some other anganwadis in Virajpet taluk, weeds and shrubs, full of insects and reptiles, cover the building. Locals fear they could harm children.

Also, 20 anganwadis face a problem of suitable sites for new building projects. There are 16 anganwadis in rented buildings, each paying a monthly rent of Rs 1,000. While 55 government buildings are under repair, 12 are in dilapidated condition and 34 have to be repaired.

When STOI contacted Virajpet taluk women and child welfare department officer Seetalakshmi, she said that due to rain in some anganwadis, food distribution was delayed and she requested the panchayats concerned to remove the weeds around anganwadi buildings.