MP Indra Hang Subba calls for better Anganwadi infrastructure in Sikkim's remote areas

Sikkim’s Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Dr. Indra Hang Subba, has strongly urged the central government to take urgent steps to improve the condition of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) in rural, tribal, and high-altitude areas of Sikkim. In a letter addressed to Smt. Savitri Thakur, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Dr. Subba highlighted the poor state of infrastructure in many AWCs and the need for better funding and support.

Anganwadi Centres play a very important role under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. These centres provide early childhood education, basic healthcare, and nutrition to children and pregnant women. However, in many parts of Sikkim, especially in remote and hilly regions, these centres are still operating out of weak and temporary buildings. Many of them do not have safe classrooms, proper kitchens, toilets, or boundary walls. This makes it hard for both children and workers to feel safe and comfortable.

In his representation, Dr. Subba said that the current budget or “unit cost norms” for constructing Anganwadi Centres is too low and does not match the real cost of building strong, weather-resistant centres in hilly areas. He pointed out that construction in Sikkim and other Himalayan regions is more expensive due to steep terrain, high transport charges, and limited working months. He requested the Union Government to revise the cost norms so that durable and suitable centres can be built.

In his letter, Dr. Subba made three important suggestions to address the challenges faced by Anganwadi Centres in hilly regions like Sikkim. He urged the government to increase the unit cost for AWC construction, considering the rising cost of materials, inflation, and the added expenses of transportation in mountainous terrain. He also emphasized the need to prioritise the construction of permanent Anganwadi Centres in remote villages, where many centres still operate from temporary, rented, or makeshift buildings. Additionally, he recommended allowing flexibility in the design of these centres so they can be adapted to local geo-climatic conditions and provide safe, child-friendly, and weather-protected spaces for early childhood care.

He also appreciated the Sikkim Government’s work in setting up model Anganwadi Centres in a few locations, which have better facilities and are more suited for early childhood care. He urged the Centre to support and help expand this model to more villages.

Dr. Subba said he was hopeful that the central ministry, under the leadership of Smt. Savitri Thakur, would take positive steps and support the children and workers in these difficult areas. He added that every child in the country deserves to grow and learn in a safe and healthy environment, no matter where they live.