Thiruvananthapuram : The directorate of women and child development has issued an order stalling the construction of new anganwadis in the state to implement a unified design as part of the Smart Anganwadi project. The directorate has come up with six new designs of anganwadis complying with all quality standards and features, including better ventilation, safety features and other facilities to ensure proper care for the children.
"We have stalled all-new anganwadi projects which are yet to take off and stopped accepting new proposals. Also, we have directed the authorities to give a report on the land availability for upgrading and setting up the smart anganwadis," said an official.
As per the designs, the cost of the smart anganwadis would range from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 40 lakh. Sixty percent of the total project cost would be provided by the state government and the rest by the local bodies.
According to officials, the design of the anganwadis would be selected depending on the geographic features of the location and availability of land.
The department had roped in Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra and College of Architecture Thiruvananthapuram for coming up with six smart designs for anganwadis, which could be set up in three, five, seven and 10 cents.
Classroom, outdoor play area, indoor play area, kitchen, creative zone, dining area, washrooms, child-friendly fixtures in toilet and wash area are some of the features in the Smart Anganwadis.
"The majority of anganwadis in the state are in a deplorable condition and it's actually four walls with no facilities," said the official.
There are around 33,000 anganwadis in the state. According to officials, the actual plan of the government is to bring down the number of anganwadis and provide quality care for children.
