Anganwadi

Government and politics work together so it's not very often a not politically motivated scheme like Anganwadi is given the green light but this happened in 1975. Anganwadi is government-sponsored child care and mother care development programme that works at the village level, not being politically motivated works both ways, Anganwadi doesn't get the kind of fund it needs to bring development and change. But the core issue with Anganwadi is it fails to provide the feeling of home and comfort. If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? So, If you'll comfort us why won't we'll take the care?

In the Vijayawada rural Parliamentary constituency, around 1000 Anganwadi centers (AWC) functions. They never had big funds or a very skilled staff or huge community support. As a result, there was an enormous decrease in the enrollment of children and other beneficiaries. That is when a NGO took 400 of these AWC under its wings and through infrastructure refurbishment, providing monitoring devices and some basic amenities, a huge positive impact was created. Enrollment level increased, the closing time of AWC increased from 3'o clock to 5'o clock. As a direct consequence, Local MPP of Vijayawada rural declared to contribute for construction of boundary wall to the AWC. This NGO has already helped in refurbishing 135 AWC which has further helped 7000 children and 3000 lactating and pregnant women.

Things can't change quickly, we're not Superman. But even small things like wall paintings, providing a nutritious diet and even kind Anganwadi workers help in a big way. Also, there is a huge room for improvement. In a quick evaluation study of Anganwadis done by NITI AAYOG, it was founded that around 24.3% of the AWC are not maintaining the proper record. Further, 22.5% of AWC do not have the required medicines for the children. Some suggestions included provided a spacious and hygienic location for the Anganwadis. They should be equipped with proper sanitation and drinking water facilities etc. With all these suggestions a positive outcome is predicted and if these recommendations are coupled with Community support, Anganwadi can do wonders but remember Development, Real Development takes time.