Yupia, Oct 7: Rajya Sabha MP Shri Tai Tagak has announced an allocation of Rs 15 lakh each from his MPLAD fund for construction of Model Anganwadi Centres at Doimukh and Sagalee, during his visit to Anganwadi Centres under the Doimukh ICDS Project as part of the final leg of the Angan Milan Seva programme.

The MP made the announcement while interacting with Anganwadi workers, helpers and PRI members at the Tigdo-III Anganwadi Centre. He directed the Deputy Commissioner, Papum Pare, to identify suitable locations for the proposed Model Anganwadi Centres and ensure that the land identified is free from all encumbrances.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Tagak highlighted the significance of Angan Milan Seva, launched as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyaan to commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years of public service. He informed that the nationwide initiative is being carried out across thousands of Anganwadi Centres with the core theme "Our Anganwadi, Our Responsibility."

He said that 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.

Emphasising the importance of community participation, Shri 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.

The MP also stressed the need for practical integration of Anganwadi Centres with educational institutions under Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, to ensure quality education and holistic development during the formative years of children.

Deputy Commissioner, Papum Pare, Ms. Mamu Hage, while presenting an overview of the Anganwadi Centres in the district, highlighted the infrastructure-related challenges faced by the centres. She informed that no funds have been allotted for construction of Anganwadi Centres since 2010, resulting in several centres requiring maintenance and improvement. She further informed that Land Possession Certificates (LPCs) for Anganwadi Centres would be processed on priority.

Deputy Director, ICDS, Smt. Jaya Taba, briefed the gathering on the activities undertaken during the 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah across the district and highlighted various schemes and programmes being implemented by the Department of Women and Child Development.

CDPO, Doimukh, Smt. 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 Shri Techi Necha, Vice Chairman, Arunachal Pradesh Bamboo Resource Development Board, PRI members, officers, SHG members, Anganwadi workers and officials of the Department of Women and Child Development. (DIPRO)