YUPIA, 7 Oct: Rajya Sabha member Tai Tagak stressed the need for practical integration of Anganwadi centres with educational institutions under Early Childhood Care and Education in line with the National Education Policy 2020, to ensure quality education and holistic development during the formative years of children.
Addressing the gathering during his visit to Anganwadi centres under the Doimukh ICDS Project as part of the final leg of the Angan Milan Seva (AMS) programme, Tagak highlighted the significance of the programme (AMS), launched as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyaan to commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years of public service.
He said that the nationwide initiative is being carried out across thousands of Anganwadi centres with the core theme "Our Anganwadi, Our Responsibility."
The initiative seeks to establish a stronger connect between local communities and Anganwadi centres, which serve as important grassroots institutions for early childhood care, nutrition, healthcare and education, he said.
Emphasising the importance of community participation, Tagak said that community collaboration is essential for such grassroots institutions to flourish and called upon all stakeholders to join hands in nurturing and strengthening Anganwadi centres.
Tagak announced Rs.15 lakh each from his MPLAD fund for construction of Model Anganwadi centres at Doimukh and Sagalee while interacting with Anganwadi workers, helpers and PRI members at the Tigdo-III Anganwadi centre.
He directed the Papum Pare deputy commissioner to identify suitable locations for the proposed model Anganwadi centres and ensure that the land identified is free from all encumbrances.
Papum Pare deputy commissioner Mamu Hage highlighted the infrastructure-related challenges faced by Anganwadi centres. She said that no funds have been allotted for construction of Anganwadi centres since 2010, resulting in several centres requiring maintenance and improvement. She further apprised Tagak that Land Possession Certificates for Anganwadi centres would be processed on priority.
ICDS deputy director Jaya Taba briefed the gathering on the activities undertaken during the 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah across the district. Taba also highlighted various schemes and programmes being implemented by the department of women and child development.
Doimukh CDPO Maya Murtem highlighted the difficulties faced by Anganwadi workers in discharging their duties, including issues relating to low honorarium and inadequate basic amenities such as toilets and drinking water facilities at several Anganwadi centres.
The programme was attended by Arunachal Pradesh Bamboo Resource Development Board vice chairman Techi Necha, PRI members, officers, SHG members, Anganwadi workers and officials of the department of women and child development. (DIPRO)
