Hyderabad, November 16: Alleging state government’s failure to provide better facilities at social welfare hostels, anganwadi centres and government schools, Vasantha Kannabiran, noted social activist, has called upon all social organisations to come forward to help poor students who are studying in government schools and anganwadi centres.
Addressing the gathering at the launch of a 9-day-long tour of districts to create awareness in Dalit girl students, which was organised by the Dalit Stree Sakthi here today, Vasantha Kannabiran said that workers of Dalit Stree Sakthi should visit all anganwadis, government schools and social welfare hostels to prepare a comprehensive report on their problems and submit it to the state government.
“Children at anganwadis are forced to use streets for easing themselves in the absence of toilets. And lack of safe drinking water supply continues to affect the health of the children. Worse, anganwadi funds are being misused and children are not fed properly,” she alleged.
Kaki Madhava Rao, retired IAS officer, said the state government failed to provide amenities in social welfare hostels and anganwadis where a number of Dalit students and children were studying. “Parents are sending their children to these centres in the hope that their wards will get nutritional food and get a chance to play with other children in a safe and healthy environment.
These centres are supposed to be places where children learn to maintain personal hygiene. But, unfortunately, that is not happening due to lack of toilet and drinking water facilities,” he remarked.
D, Srinivasulu, secretary, labour employment and training, said the labour department would work in association with social organisations to eradicate child labour.
Jhansi Geddam, president of Dalit Stree Sakthi, said that they would tour districts for nine days and inspect SC, ST and BC hostels, anganwadis and government schools. “We will organise programmes to create awareness among the parents and children to fight for better facilities. Many hostels do not have drinking water and students are forced to go long distances to fetch water. The problem is acute in fluorideaffected villages. Besides, a number of government schools, anganwadis and welfare hostels are functioning in rented buildings while most of the government buildings are in a dilapidated condition. The yatra began in the city today and will conclude in Visakhapatnam on November 23. We will make a report on the problem and submit it to the state government,” she added.
–Agencies