Karnataka High Court Directs State To Provide Electricity To All Anganwadi Centres In State

As per a report submitted by the state government, it is stated that there are 65,911 anganwadi centers in the state. Out of which 33,146 have been provided with electricity connection. Only 29,516 center's have been provided with fans. Moreover, out of 65,911 anganwadi centers in the state only 44,025 have been provided with toilets.

Advocate Clifton D Rozario informed the court that 4 percent of anganwadi are in urbans areas. Whereas, Karnataka's urban population is 33 percent, that is the kind of gap, he said.

A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Suraj Govindaraj while hearing a suo-motu petition said "Compliance regarding basic infrastructure to anganwadi centers has been reported. The statements made there in show a shocking state of affairs."

Following which the court directed "We direct the state government to take immediate steps for providing electricity supply to all anganwadi centers and to supply fans to all centers. We direct the state government to ensure that as per recommendations toilets shall be provided to 65,911 centers."

It added "In fact the recommendation contemplates separate toilets for boys/girls and disabled children. State will have to take a note of the recommendations. State government shall ensure that an adequate number of anganwadi centers are established in the city of Bengaluru."

The state government has to comply with the directions in a phased manner. The court directed the state to file an affidavit setting out the times lines for making compliance. The affidavit has to be filed by June 11.

The suo motu petition was initiated on the basis of a letter addressed by a Non-Government Organization, inviting the attention of the Court to the plight of children in a particular taluk who are suffering from malnutrition.

Under the order dated 12th April, 2012, this Court constituted a Committee headed by Hon'ble Mr.Justice N.K.Patil as the Chairman. The Committee has submitted an exhaustive report running into two volumes which is already on record.

On January 18, the court appointed Justice A.N.Venugopala Gowda, a retired Judge of the High Court, as the Chairman of the Committee. By order dated March 15, the state government was directed to ascertain whether there are guidelines issued by any authority laying down the norms of basic infrastructure which should be provided at Anganwadi Centres.