By TC News Desk
Agartala, 23rd July 2024: Anganwadi Centers across the state have come under scrutiny due to their deteriorating conditions. Reports indicate that some centers have been repurposed for illicit activities, while others suffer from neglect and lack of basic infrastructure.
One such center, the Suryasen Anganwadi Center in Town Pratapgarh has become emblematic of this crisis. Locals have raised alarm over the center’s unhealthy environment, which includes drug-related incidents and garbage accumulation. Liquor bottles litter the premises, and drug dealers frequent the area, especially during evening hours.
Despite residents reporting these issues to the police, strict action has been elusive. Jayashree Sen, the in-charge worker at the Anganwadi Center, expressed frustration over the lack of intervention. She revealed that the absence of protective walls exacerbates the situation. The center’s wall collapsed long ago, leaving it vulnerable to misuse and illegal occupation.
Parents in the area share Sen’s concerns. With only three to four students attending the center daily out of the registered 48, the Anganwadi Center faces imminent closure. The absence of proper infrastructure, including walls, discourages parents from sending their children there.
Local authorities, including Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), bear the responsibility of overseeing Anganwadi Centers. However, their irregular visits contribute to the neglect. Locals view this negligence as alarming and disheartening, especially considering the critical role these centers play in early childhood education and nutrition.
Efforts to address these issues have so far yielded no results, leaving the fate of Anganwadi Centers uncertain. The community awaits urgent action to restore these vital institutions and ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for young children.
