Jaipur: With severe heatwave conditions prevailing across the state, anganwadi workers have demanded that holidays be declared for children aged 3 to 6 years enrolled at anganwadi centres. Around 16.89 lakh children are enrolled in nearly 63,000 anganwadi centres across the state.
Demand for Holiday Declaration
The Akhil Rajasthan Mahila Evam Bal Vikas Sanyukt Karamchari Sangh has written to the chief minister, demanding the state government declare holidays for anganwadi centres till June 30. The association noted that holidays till June 30 have already been declared for government and private educational institutions across the state.
“Anganwadi centres enrol children aged 3 to 6 years, while schools enrol children above 6 years. Neighbouring states such as Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have already declared holidays for anganwadi children till June 30, and Rajasthan should make similar arrangements,” said the association.
Proposed Distribution of Nutritional Supplements
The workers’ body suggested that during this period, nutritional supplements typically provided at the centres can be distributed to the children at their homes. This would ensure that children continue to receive essential nutrition despite the closure of centres.
Founder of the association, Chhotelal Bunkar, explained, “Children are anyway not able to reach anganwadi centres due to the heatwave, and many have gone to their relatives’ homes along with elder siblings as summer vacation has started for schools. Due to this, declaring holidays for children of anganwadi centres will give them relief.”
The demand comes as temperatures in Rajasthan have soared, posing health risks to young children. The association urges the state government to act swiftly to protect the well-being of these children.
