Koraput, June 30: Several Anganwadi centres of Borigumma block in Odisha’s Koraput district are grappling with severe infrastructural neglect, locals alleged on Monday.

According to the locals, many Anganwadi centres have no buildings of their own, while others function in partially collapsed or makeshift spaces-- ranging from rented stalls to tree shades and dilapidated verandas.

Out of the 334 Anganwadi centres operating under the Borigumma Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), 77 lack their own buildings, and nine are in dipleted conditions. Shockingly, 83 centres have been functioning without electricity for over two and a half years.

In rainy days, children can't even sit under the verandas due to water leakage and broken roofs. Cement chunks fall from ceilings, and cracked walls pose a constant danger to children and staff.

Basic facilities like kitchens are missing in many centres, forcing staff to manage mid-day meals in extremely constrained setups. In some areas, Anganwadi centres run from clubhouses, forest protection offices, or temple committee stalls. In others, incomplete construction work has left buildings abandoned and unusable, the locals said adding that little progress has been made to improve infrastructure or safety despite years of distress.

Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati said that several issues in connection with ICDS scheme persisted during the previous BJD government in the State. Moreover, low-quality ‘chhatua’ (fortified food) served to children was reportedly recycled and resupplied, leading to widespread refusal to consume it, he added.

Following complaints, the CDPO (Child Development Project Officer) of Borigumma has been directed to halt the supply of such food, the MLA said.

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