State seeks Central aid to set up Anganwadi centres

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 20: The Meghalaya government has sought the Centre’s support for setting up of Anganwadi centres in over 1500 villages across the state.

Replying to a query raised by AITC MLA from Ampati Miani D Shira in the Assembly, Minister in-charge Social Welfare Paul Lyngdoh said, “We have already moved the Ministry of Women and Child Development for total coverage of uncovered villages.”

He said that the government will be in a position to set up Anganwadi centres in uncovered villages within the next 1-2 years.

He said the 1,500 uncovered villages are presently being taken up under the Early Childhood Development Programme.

The minister also informed 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 informed that he will also convene a comprehensive review of the existing Anganwadi centres across the State in October. He also assured to look into the concerns of all members in regard to these centres during the upcoming review meeting.

Congress Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar had wanted to know what happened to the rice cooker given to Anganwadi centres with no electricity connection while Umsning MLA Celestine Lyngdoh requested the need to ensure water supply to the centres and Amlarem MLA Lahkmen Rymbui stressed the need to have a synergy between the social welfare department and the health department and education department for the proper development of the children in the state.