AN ASSESSMENT OF FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT ANGANWADI CENTRES IN URBAN AREA OF GARHWAL REGION, UTTARAKHAND

Abstract

Introduction: Anganwadi centres (AWCs) under Integrated Childhood Development Services (ICDS) scheme are the foremost symbol of the country’s commitment to its children and nursing mothers, as a response to the challenge of providing pre-school non-formal education on one hand and breaking the vicious cycle of malnutrition, morbidity, reduced learning capacity and mortality on the other.

Material and Methods: 29 AWCs of urban areas were visited to assess their infrastructure and facilities provided by them to the beneficiaries. Data was collected by interviewing Anganwadi workers (AWWs) in a pretested, semi structured proforma and results were expressed as frequency and percentage.

Results:AWCs were running through rented, inadequate accommodation facility. There were no separate kitchen and storage facilities. AWWs have not received refresher training. Nearly half of the AWCs don’t have medicine kit.

Conclusion: There is need for improved infrastructure and facilities in AWCs along with regular supervision on services provided to the beneficiaries.