By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 20: TMC MLA from Ampati (South West Garo Hills), Miani D Shira has emphasised that the government should direct its attention towards setting up Anganwadi centres in all uncovered villages.
Highlighting this matter in the Assembly during the Question Hour of the ongoing autumn session on Wednesday, Shira questioned if the application of villages which have sought the establishment of Anganwadi centres will be accorded priority.
She also said that there should be a timeline to set up the centres, which, according to her, are important infrastructure for villages to conduct programmes on education and health.
“It is difficult for the villages to function without an Anganwadi centre,” the Ampati MLA said.
Meanwhile, Congress MLA from Mawhati, Charles Marngar questioned if the Social Welfare department has asked the villages to repair Anganwadi centres through community contribution. He said that the villagers, who are mostly daily wagers, will face problems in contributing for repairs of such centres.
On the other hand, UDP MLA from Amlarem, Lahkmen Rymbui called for synergy between Health, Education and Social Welfare department to achieve the targets.
Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, in response to the queries and concerns, said that the state government has sought central government’s support in setting up Anganwadi centres in over 1,500 villages across the state.
“Within next one or two years, we should be in a position to set up centres in the villages which meets criteria. At present, all the uncovered villages are being covered under Early Child Development Mission,” Lyngdoh said.
The minister also informed the House that nine applications were received from East Khasi Hills alone for setting up of new main Anganwadi centres and 27 for mini Anganwadi centres.
Lyngdoh further said that he will also conduct a comprehensive review of the existing Anganwadi centres across the state next month, while assuring to look into the concerns in regard with the centres during the upcoming review meeting.