Corporation conducts survey to review condition of anganwadis

Anganwadi centres in the city can look forward to a facelift as the Greater Chennai Corporation is about to conduct a survey on the condition of the centres and the extent of repairs they require.

The survey follows a circular from the Deputy Commissioner (Education), which said “To effectively implement Poshan Abhiyan programme and control anaemia among children and women, proper upkeep of anganwadis is a must. So, junior engineers are directed to conduct a survey on the present conditions of those centres in their respective areas and submit reports. They should take steps to upkeep damaged anganwadis.”

The circular also pointed out the lack of facilities in the anganwadis and said, “Most of the anganwadi centres in Chennai district lack electricity, water and toilet facilities. Some are damaged and do not have sanitation facilities.”

Currently, there are 91 anganwadi centres in the city functioning in premises of Chennai Corporation schools. Poshan Abhiyan programme was rolled out by central government to improve nutritional outcomes for children, adolescents, pregnant women and lactating mothers. Chennai, Dindigul, Nilgiris, Ariyalur and Villupuram districts have been selected for the programme in Tamil Nadu.

“The programme is coordinated by Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and district level District Convergence Plan Committee have been formed with the participation of 13 various departments,” the official said.

According to a recent National Health Survey, 45 per cent of women in Chennai are affected with anaemia. “We are given a target to reduce the number of women affected with anaemia by three per cent in a year. Corporation will conduct a survey on child health and nutrition soon,” a civic official said.