Bhubaneswar: In the darkness there is not always light, corroborates this shocking reality in Smart City Bhubaneswar where kids of an Anganwadi centre are forced to learn under the shades of a tree, and at times under the open skies, let alone being provided with other ancillary facilities like kitchen and washroom.
Lack of permanent infrastructure has forced the Anganwadi workers to run the childcare centre in an open space to impart education to the tiny tots.
Before the enforcement of the lockdown, the Anganwadi Kendra at Cuttack Road Refugee Colony under the jurisdiction of Bhubaneswar Central (Madhya) was reportedly functioning in a rented house. However, when the landlord increased house-rent post relaxation in curbs, the workers had to shift the base to an open space nearby.
"We do not have adequate facilities. I have been to 'office' quite a few times seeking help to sort out the house rent problem. The government is giving Rs 750 for monthly rent, but that is way below what is required. The house rent is at least Rs 2000 nowadays. As most kids do, these students also run hither and thither, even stray onto the roads, and I am facing a lot of trouble," said Janaki Behera, Anganwadi worker.
In the absence of a kitchen, food for these children is being prepared at the house of the Anganwadi kitchen wench. "Here, food is prepared for family members as well as for the kids. Needless to say, this creates a lot of difficulty for us," said Bhubaneswari Dutta, the kitchen maid.
Even as the government officials have been apprised of this with a request to initiate works for the construction of a permanent building for the Anganwadi centre, no step has been taken as yet, sources said.
The worried parents of these children not only were seen accompanying the kids to this roofless-Kendra but are also standing guard around them to ensure that their children are safe.
"We do not have any complaints regarding the quality of education being imparted to them but the surrounding is not study-friendly. Sitting under the open sky to study when the sun is blazing, is never easy. Most of the parents are not willing to send their kids due to this reason. With summer season ahead, everyone is worried now," expressed Payal Chakraborty, a mother.
Another guardian, Dipali Kumari, said, "My child doesn't want to sit in the hot sun. He runs here and there. There are no bathrooms, and the kids are forced to urinate on the road. With so many vehicles plying, it is risky to send them to study."
The concerned officials were unavailable for comments.