Lakkasandra anganwadi brightens up again

In what comes as pleasant news, the anganwadi centre at Lakkasandra has now been equipped with electricity and water supply. Now, slum dwellers at Lakkasandra can send their children to the anganwadi centre without worrying about the poor conditions of the centre. The authorities concerned have also engaged people to clear debris dumped in front of the anganwadi centre.

Bangalore Mirror published a story—Children of a Lesser God?—on Thursday narrating how the number of kids going to anganwadi has been dwindling due to lack of electricity and water supply. Child rights activists demanded the authorities concerned ensure all amenities at the anganwadi centre, stating that poor maintenance and such unhygienic conditions are against Article 25 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Anuradha, an anganwadi teacher at Lakkasandra, stated that now the premise is clean and neat. “I want to thank all those responsible for the restoration of electricity and water supply,’’ she said. “The authorities should not relocate the anganwadi centre at any cost, as it will be inconvenient for slum dwellers to send their children to the anganwadi centre,” added Arun Prasad, a social activist.

Nagasimha G Rao of Child Rights Trust appreciated the authorities concerned for their swift action and described it as a commendable step by the department officials. “I do not want any anganwadi centre without basic amenities. I want the authorities to ensure regular monitoring and inspections, which are crucial to avoid such incidents.

The officials should conduct surprise visits to anganwadi centres to ensure anganwadi centres meet the required standards,” Rao said. He added, “Kudos to Mirror for highlighting this critical issue! As a child-friendly media outlet, BM’s setting a great example by bringing attention to the welfare and safety of our children.”