Keonjhar: It is now over 20 years that the Anganwadi centre at Jadipada village under Shankiri Panchayat in Sadar block of Keonjhar district has been lacking the required infrastructure. From operating from different places including verandas of villagers, this Anganwadi centre is now imparting education to tiny tots under a tree.
Though a building for the centre was constructed some five years back, it is yet to be made operational as other ancillary works still remains incomplete. Fearing any untoward incident, the parents of the children stand guard around the vicinity of the Anganwadi centre.
"We leave all our work and guard our children during as we fear anything can happen as they are forced to study out in the open under a tree,” said Guru Munda, a guardian.
Though the government had initiated works forthe construction of a permanent building for the Anganwadi centre some five years back, the structure stillremains incomplete.
According to sources, the contractor in connivance with some officials allegedly embezzled the money sanctioned for the construction of the building for the Anganwadi centre.
Anganwadi worker, Pramila Oram on the other hand claimed that she had lodged written complaints seeking intervention of block authorities in this regard several times in the past. However, the officials dismissed her pleas by stating that the reports clearly mentioned regarding the availability of required infrastructure.
"I had written many letters and met the block officers to resolve the issue butthey turned down my appeals citing government reports whichclearly show availability of building. However, the reality on the ground is totally different as the project is still incomplete," saidOram.
After learning about the grievances of the parents and teacher in Jadipada, the Child Development Officer of Keonjhar, Pravasini Chakra, recently wrote a letter to the Block officers directing them to immediately shift the centre to a secured place and starting the remain construction work of the building within 15 days.