Thiruvananthapuram: Decentralisation leaves anganwadi kids behind

Thiruvananthapuram: Decentralisation might have taken democracy to those farthest from the power centre but it has definitely not improved the lot of kids in the state’s anganwadis. An internal study conducted by the Planning Board states that the performance of anganwadis leaves lot to be desired even 17 years after they were transferred to the local bodies.

The Board’s finding is a confirmation of a the Local Fund Audit’s study, which had assessed the state of 5072 anganwadis in 81 panchayats in the state, found that only 31 percent had drinking water facilities and 58 percent had electrification. The Planning Board study, after taking stock of facilities in all the 33112 anganwadis in the state, found that the situation was even more alarming. 71 percent of the anganwadis (23509) had no electrification and 57 percent (18881) had no water facility.

The security of the children in these anganwadis was also highly compromised. The study found that 62.79 percent anganwadis (20793) did not have a compound wall. Some of the anganwadis are in 'poromboke' sheds which are unsafe. Only around 60 percent of anganwadis (19717) have their own building. The study had found that 40 percent (12995) had no toilet facilities. However, the local fund audit had revealed that 83 percent of anganwadis audited did not have baby-friendly toilets.

As per the Panchayati Raj Act and Municipal Act the proper upkeep of the anganwadis is the responsibility of local bodies. “It is a very sad fact that concerned forums such as grama sabhas, development seminars, working groups and local body committees were not giving anganwadis due importance,” a top Planning Board source said.

The study has attributed a major share of the blame to the scarcity of land. “Procedure of land clearance also takes much time. And as a consequence the construction of anganwadis cannot be implemented under many schemes like MPLADS and People's Plan even if funds are available,” the official said.