Assessment of infrastructural facilities & general functioning at anganwadi centres in the tribal project areas of Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka India

Introduction: The word “Anganwadi” means "courtyard shelter" in Indian languages. They were started by the Indian government in 1975 as part of the Integrated Child Development Services programme to combat child hunger and malnutrition. ICDS services are provided through a vast network of ICDS centers', better known as Anganwadi Centres. To improve the functioning of Anganwadi centres in tribal areas, it is necessary to evaluate the services. Hence a study was conducted with the objectuive of assessment of the infrastructure and functioning of anganwadicentres in tribal area of Chamarajanagara district. Methodology: A Cross sectional study conducted in tribal project area of Chamrajanagara district during the period from November 2015 to April -2016. 38 functional Anganwadi centers were selected for the study. Data was collected by using a pretested proforma by interview method from the Anganwadi workers. Data thus obtained was coded and entered into SPSS version 22 and analyzed. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, viz. percentages. Results: In relation to Physical Infrastructure out of 38 AWC's, 13(34.21%) is Average and 25(65.78%) is poor. With respect to Equipments & Educational Aids of the 38 AWC's 7(18.42%) were Good and 29(76.31%) Average and only 2(5.26%) was Poor. Conclusions: 94.75% of the centres had no outdoor kit, 71.06% of centres had indoor play kit, 5.26% of centres had no chart & poster. 76.32% of centres had scored average in relation to equipments & educational aids. To conclude, First aid, toilet facilities and educational aids for children should be provided.