HYDERABAD: Telangana may soon see an ‘Anganwadi baata’ programme, on the lines of ‘badi baata’, that is endeavoured to increase enrollment of children. Women and child welfare minister Danasari ‘Seethakka’ Anasuya urged officials to keep a close watch on all anganwadis in the state and ensure their smooth functioning whereupon children are taken care of well.
Seethakka asked the officials to install bells at all anganwadis, like the ones in schools, and ring them at 9 am.
“District welfare officers must make it a part of their routine to visit every anganwadi in their jurisdiction once in 15 days and take stock of their functioning with teachers and ayahs,” Seethakka said.
She also said that officials should check on the quality of food at the anganwadis and reject supplies of sub-standard materials.
Telangana, according to official figures, has 35,700 anganwadis and teachers at these facilities have been provided with a handbook ‘Poorva pradhamika vidhya karadeepika’ to help in understanding the curriculum with guidelines on engaging children, and to conduct preschool activities effectively.
Steps are being taken to equip all anganwadis with child-friendly furniture, book racks and play mats, while the facilities are also getting thematic paintings to make classroom spaces more attractive and interesting for children, she said.
“The aim of the government,” Seethakka said, “is to turn every anganwadi into a better place than private play schools and save costs for parents, who otherwise will have to spend a lot on fees for pre-primary classes.”
