With no proper foodgrain supply, anganwadi children go back home on empty stomachs

BENGALURU: Children at anganwadi centres in the state capital are returning home without getting the hot midday meals as foodgrains are not reaching in time. The problem has persisted for the last 3-4 months, but the officials are yet to act.

Shockingly, the Women and Child Development Department, headed by Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, has not even paid the rent for the anganwadi centres being run in private buildings for the last 4-5 months. At some places, the anganwadi teachers themselves have paid up the rent from their salaries. Despite bringing the issue to the notice of the higher-ups, it has been of no use, they lamented.

A locked anganwadi centre in Bengaluru.

Some anganwadi teachers also complained of needless harassment by their supervisors. Even after 30 years of service, the remuneration is still Rs 11,500 per month and it has become difficult to lead a normal life, they pointed out.

The quantity of foodgrains that was being supplied to anganwadi centres has also been reduced. Earlier, pongal was being provided three days a week, but with no supply of Bengal gram, it has been discontinued, the teachers pointed out. The Nutrimix food supplement is also not being supplied properly, they lamented.

An unused kitchen in an anganwadi centre in Bengaluru.

Ramya, a teacher said, “The rent has not been paid for the last six months. From our meagre salary of Rs 11,500, we are paying the rent, buying eggs and vegetables since the responsibility of the children is on us. For the last three months, foodgrains are not being supplied properly and officials are doing nothing about it. What is the need to open new anganwadis when children are already dropping out? Our salaries should be raised to at least Rs 20,000 per month”, she said.