Local netas usurp Anganwadi centres

Hyderabad: Children in Anganwadi centres are forced to vacate from the community halls in order to hold functions. Even though the district authorities have been paying Rs 750 towards rent, the local leaders have been forcing them to vacate the places to hold functions. Children are forced to have their education under tree shades. Out of the total 914 Anganwadi centres 139 of them are being operated in community halls.

An Anganwadi teacher working in Secunderabad said, ``If there is any function is planned at the community hall, the local leaders will force us to conduct the class outside. As we do not have any option, we take the classes in nearby open space. They are not even providing electricity even after paying the maintenance amount.

The children are forced to sit under tree shades sometimes in scorching heat for their pre-school education." Anganwadi supervisor at Charminar centre V Swathi said, ``We only have twelve own buildings all over the city. We got orders from the Collector to search for rent free buildings like community halls in order to conduct the classes. If we get any rent free buildings the department is ready to renovate the place and provide infrastructure to make it look like a proper play school.”

Nampally (SD Nagar) Anganwadi centre teacher, on condition of anonymity, said, ``Our Anganwadi centre is functioning in a community hall we do not have toilets and water facilities. This runs above a temple and we have enough for the kids.

If any child wants to visit the toilet they go to the worker's house and she brings drinking water to the centre.” The Women and Child Welfare Officer GK Sunanda said, ``The Collector has given the instructions to identify the Anganwadi centers which are facing problems and told us that the centres would be improved. A financial assistance of Rs 6 lakh was sought for the repairs.’’