Shillong, Sep 20: Lack of water supply, problems in providing nutritional food and other deficiencies plague Anganwadi centres in the state.
These issues were raised by the Opposition in the Assembly on Wednesday.
In reply, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh said the state government has sought Centre’s support for setting up of anganwadi centres in over 1500 villages.
In reply to a question raised by AITC MLA from Ampati Miani D Shira in the Assembly, Paul said, “We have already moved the Ministry of Women and Child Development for total coverage of uncovered villages.
The minister said the government will be in a position to set up anganwadi centres in the uncovered villages within the next 1-2 years.
Paul said the 1500 uncovered villages are presently being taken up under the Early Childhood Development Programme.
The minister said nine applications were received from East Khasi Hills alone for setting up of new main anganwadi centres and 27 for mini anganwadi centres.
To further queries, Lyngdoh said he will convene a comprehensive review of the existing anganwadi centres across the state in October. He also assured to look into the concerns of all members regarding these centres during the review meeting.
Rice cookers in centre without electricity
Congress Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar wanted to know what happened to the rice cooker given to anganwadi centres with no electricity connection.
Umsning MLA Celestine Lyngdoh stressed the need to ensure water supply to the centres while Amlarem MLA Lahkmen Rymbui suggested to have a synergy between the social welfare department, health department and education department for the proper development of the children in the state.
