In Vansiyakui village, located in the Fatehpura taluka of Gujarat, local residents are voicing their concerns about the planned relocation of an Anganwadi centre. This centre has been serving the community for many years. The village panchayat decided to move the Anganwadi centre two kilometres away to Bhabor Faliya, which has stirred significant opposition among the villagers.
The Anganwadi centre, which provides essential services for children and mothers, is currently situated in a dilapidated building. Although it needs renovation, villagers believe that moving it to a distant location will hinder access for the children who rely on its services. The children in Talgam Faliya would face great difficulty traveling to the new site, putting them at risk of losing out on vital nutrition and educational support.
Many complaints have been raised regarding the management of Anganwadi centres in Fatehpura taluka. Issues like the number of children enrolled, the quality of meals, and the benefits provided to pregnant and nursing mothers have been reported. Locals fear that the decision to relocate the Anganwadi centre is influenced by personal interests and does not consider the welfare of the community’s children.
Residents argue that the current location of the Anganwadi centre is ideal for the children who attend it. They have submitted requests to local authorities, urging them to construct a new building on the same site instead of moving it. If their demands are not met, they plan to protest and draw attention to their plight.
Babulbhai Salubhai Chandana, a local leader, expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding this decision. He stated that the villagers were not consulted before the panchayat made its decision. He emphasized that it is unjust to relocate the centre when a suitable space for renovation exists.
On the other hand, the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) has mentioned that the current Anganwadi centre operates on private land and is in poor condition. They argue that it is more appropriate to build new centres on government land to ensure the sustainability of the services provided. The CDPO reassured residents that no beneficiary would be deprived of services if the new centre is built in Bhabor Faliya.
The villagers remain unconvinced and continue to demand that the new Anganwadi centre be constructed in its original location. They believe that this will ensure easier access for the children and maintain the quality of services they currently receive. The local community is determined to stand firm against this decision, as they see it as a threat to their children’s future.
As the situation develops, it will be crucial for local authorities to engage with the community and address their concerns. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the welfare of children in Vansiyakui and the surrounding areas. The villagers hope that their voices will be heard and that a solution will be found that prioritizes the needs of the children and families in their community.
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