PANAJI
Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani on Sunday announced sanction for setting up 60 new anganwadis in Goa, including two model anganwadis in each block (taluka).
Irani was addressing a zonal meeting to highlight the progress made in the field of women and child development over the eight years since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took over.
Irani also said that a one-stop anganwadi centre in South Goa will also be set up as demanded by Goa's Women and Child Development Minister Vishwajit Rane.
She said, Rane's request that in commemoration of Goa's 60 years of liberation the State be sanctioned 60 new anganwadis will be sanctioned, even as she said it will be the endeavour of her ministry to ensure at least two 'model anganwadis' are set up in each block (taluka).
The event was held at a starred hotel in Dona Paula which was also attended by Union Minister of State for finance, Bhagwat Karad.
Irani also said men are equal partners when it comes to the emancipation of women and children
“When it comes to the emancipation of women and children, men are equal partners. When we speak about the child's rights, we also talk about the right of the male child”, she said.
Speaking about the regulations regarding anganwadis, Irani said it was unlikely that any government in the past had prepared a plan before creating such institutions.
There was a time in India when after applying if there was no response, it was considered as deemed that he (applicant) can open the anganwadi, she said.
The Union minister said the reports of the worst kind of violations (of rights of children) came from those institutions which were never checked.
Speaking to the media on the side-lines of the event, Rane said, anganwadis housed in rented premises will be done away with gradually and these will be relocated in own premises.
Rane said, modifications to anganwadis hits a roadblock when these are in rented premises. Also, there are issues with the Central capping on the rent amounts, he added.
He said, Irani has promised continued support from the Centre for all his initiatives to improve delivery of benefits and services through the anganwadis.
