Anganwadi centres in Ramanathapuram struggle with infrastructure woes

The Anganwadi centres at Coimbatore’s Ramanathapuram (Ward 63) is beset with myriad challenges including inadequate ventilation and the construction of a toilet, which underscore concerns regarding the quality of childcare services offered to families in the area.

While the Anganwadi located at Krishnaswamy Nagar was temporarily closed for the construction of a toilet three months ago, another Anganwadi centre at Savithri Nagar, which was running with only a lactation consultant, has been operational for only three days of the past four months due to staff shortage. Around 25 children, 12 expecting mothers and three lactating mothers de

The Ramanathapuram Anganwadi rural child care centre remains shut for several months. S. SIVA SARAVANAN.

pended on these centres.

While it was said that work on the toilet at the Krishnaswamy Nagar Anganwadi would be complete within a month, there has been no progress so far, said M. Shanthi (DMK), ward councillor.

Visitors point out that both the centres, even if opened fully, are unsuitable for children as these are tucked away in dimly lit corners with poor ventilation.

Established under the government’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme, Anganwadi centres aim to address malnutrition, hunger, and the developmental needs of pregnant and lactating mothers. Each centre is supposed to have trained personnel responsible for cooking, teaching, and maintaining cleanliness. However, neither of the centres in Ramanthapuram have these provisions.

Vishakha, a sanitation worker and parent, said, “I felt uneasy leaving my child at the centre (at Krishnaswamy Nagar) due to inadequate care. Now, I rely on neighbours while I go to work. I was told that the centre would be a lot better after the renovations, but there has been no progress, and we have not been given an alternative.”

The Anganwadi at Krishnaswamy Nagar is located on a road that joins a threeway junction and is surrounded by a busy mechanic shop, a couple of small grocery stores and a garbagecovered lane near the Sanganoor stream. “The area is untidy and therefore unfit for an ICDS centre. Instead of renovating the current structure, another proper centre should be planned,” said P. Jyothilakshmi, a resident.

Officials from ICDS said that the centre at Krishnaswamy Nagar has not been closed permanently; inspections are underway and it would be reopened soon, they added.