PADUM: Director, Social and Tribal Welfare Department, UT Ladakh, Dr. Zahida Banoo, flagged infrastructure gaps in the facilities and functioning of Anganwadi Centres and welfare infrastructure across Zanskar during a field visit, calling for prompt improvements wherever deficiencies were observed.
During her visit to the Anganwadi Centre at Pibiting, Dr. Banoo expressed concern over the poor condition of the old building of Government Middle School, Pibiting, as well as the makeshift kitchen operating under a water-tank shed. She advised the Zonal Education Officer to take prompt action for renovation and improvement of the facilities.
Dr. Banoo also assured teachers and members of the Village Education Committee (VEC) that the issue concerning the establishment of a new Anganwadi Centre at Pibiting would be addressed at the earliest. Teachers and VEC members expressed gratitude for her intervention and assurance.
As part of the tour, the Director inspected Anganwadi Centres at Ufti, Zangla Nunnary, Chazar, Rukruk, Ubrak, Salapi and Khisharak, interacting with staff and reviewing the facilities, functioning and requirements of the centres.
She took stock of essential facilities and the services being provided to children and local communities, while also seeking to understand the challenges faced by field-level staff and areas requiring further attention.
The Director further inspected the District Social Welfare Office construction site at Padum, reviewing the progress of the ongoing construction and associated infrastructure requirements.
The visit brought into focus the infrastructure and operational challenges confronting welfare facilities in remote parts of Zanskar, with the department reiterating its focus on strengthening the infrastructure and delivery of welfare services in the region.
