Anganwadis, which set the base for education right from toddler level, seem to be in a pathetic state in Goa even as the State intends to spend Rs 200 cr on lavish celebrations of 60 years of Goa’s liberation.
As a case study, Gomantak TV studied the anganwadis in Navelim constituency and found them in the worst of conditions.
The study revealed that the basic facilities like drinking water and toilets were lacking or in very poor condition.
It was learned that most of the anganwadis were run in rented premises. Also, surrounding areas of the anganwadis were unhygienic.
Shockingly, the Talaulim anganwadi is run in a chawl in a small room with no proper roof. The anganwadi shares a common tap and toilet. Presently, it has 10 to 13 children and has been operating from the said premises for more than last 35 years, locals said.
Nagmodem anganwadi, which has 12 to 15 children, is yet another one that runs in a rented house with no toilet and water facilities. The student and attendant share tap water from a neighbourhood house.
The premises lack basic facilities like fans. Worse still, a poultry farm operates right opposite the anganwadi. The entrance, too, is in a very filthy condition.
At Mandopa, two anganwadis share a common room, which, again, is a rented chawl with a common toilet. There are no fans, tap water is used for drinking and the room is divided into two parts with a curtain. One-fourth of the room is used for cooking. Around six children attend the anganwadi which has been in operation for the last 4 years from the same premises.
The Fradilem, Navelim, anganwadi was the worst of these all. It's run in a small room of approximately 100 square metres and accommodates nearly 12 to 15 students. The students use well water to drink and don’t have a toilet at all for the last 10 years
Navelim is known as the powerhouse of Goa and it’s represented by powerful leaders like Luizinho Faleiro, who has also been Chief Minister of Goa.
The constituency was also led by Churchill Alemao for one term and Averton Furtado for another, but still the anganwadis were neglected.
Interestingly, all those who have represented Navelim and enjoyed ministerial berths always tom-tommed about all-round development ushered in the constituency. However, an inspection of the anganwadis tells a different story -- of neglect and apathy from the powers that be.