In the tribal areas of Dahod district, many Anganwadi centres are in poor condition. These centres are meant to provide nutrition and education to children. However, the reality on the ground is very different from what is shown on paper. Recently, a roof slab fell at an Anganwadi centre in Navagam Faliya, Garbada, but luckily no children were injured as it was a holiday. This incident raises serious concerns about the safety of children in these centres.
Dahod district is known for its tribal belt, where development initiatives are intended to reach even the remotest communities. However, many Anganwadi centres are still in a state of disrepair. Bhanu Ben Babariya, the Minister for Women and Child Development, acknowledged that out of 1,008 Anganwadi centres in Anand and Mahisagar districts, 398 are in dilapidated condition. This includes 305 centres in Mahisagar and 93 in Anand.
Parents are worried about the safety of their children. They have repeatedly raised concerns about the state of these centres. Many of these buildings are in worse condition than ruins, and children are forced to attend classes in unsafe environments. Reports indicate that children are studying under roofs with broken and dangling wires, which poses a serious health risk.
In some areas, the government has moved children to safer locations, but many centres still operate in dangerous buildings. Parents are calling for immediate repairs or new constructions to ensure the safety of their children. There are ongoing projects to build new Anganwadi centres, but progress is slow and many parents feel neglected.
The local community is urging the government to take action before a tragedy occurs. They want to see a significant improvement in the conditions of Anganwadi centres. The health and safety of children must be the priority, and the government should ensure that these centres provide a safe environment for learning and development.
In conclusion, the situation in Dahod highlights the urgent need for repairs and new constructions at Anganwadi centres. The government must respond quickly to protect the children who rely on these vital services. The community continues to advocate for their children’s safety, and it is time for action to prevent any further incidents.