MYSURU: Anganwadis across Karnataka could reopen soon, if a circular from the women and child welfare department is anything to go by. The department has instructed district administrations to reopen anganwadis as soon as possible and has issued a 16-point SoP list. Parents’ consent has been made compulsory.
The circular, addressed to all deputy directors of the department at the district level, directs anganwadi staff to hold activities for children in the 3 to 6 years age group. These activities must be held every day between 9.30am and 12 noon.
Only five students will be allowed in an anganwadi at a time to ensure social distancing. For example if the strength of an anganwadi centre is 20 students, children will attend classes once in four days. Lactating mothers, children below the age of three years and pregnant women will not be allowed to attend. RT-PCR negative test report has been made compulsory for staff. Wearing masks is compulsory for all.
The reaction to the announcement from anganwadi workers was mixed. Sunanda HS, Mysuru district president, anganwadi workers’ association, said they are ready to reopen centres if the government provides all facilities.
“SoPs say we have to get consent letters from parents, but it’s difficult since parents blame us for everything,” Sunanda said. “Also sanitising centres every day is a tough job. Why can’t gram panchayats be roped in for this? Some SoPs are not practical and the government must remove them.”
BA Paramesh, Mysuru ZP chief executive officer (CEO), said, classes will be optional for students. “Rations will be delivered at the doorsteps of those children who prefer to stay back at home,” he said. “We will hold a meeting of officials on Wednesday to finalise modalities to be followed to reopen centres. Dates will also be finalised at the meeting.”