Goats seen eating alongside children at Katni Anganwadi:Video exposes child nutrition lapses in MP; Sheopur kids fed on scrap paper

Questions over child nutrition and the Anganwadi system in Madhya Pradesh have resurfaced after a shocking video from Katni district. The footage shows children at an Anganwadi center eating their meal while goats feed right next to them. The incident occurred at the Sehra Tola Anganwadi in Kothi village, Dhimrakheda tehsil. The centre operates from a dilapidated private building, and at the time of the video, both the Anganwadi worker and helper were absent. Project Officer Aarti Yadav has issued a notice to the sector supervisor and stated that she will personally visit the village to address the issues. She assured that all problems at the centre will be resolved soon. Distance and poor facilities make access difficult for children and women Villagers say the approved Anganwadi building for Sehra Tola is being constructed in Baiga Mohalla, about two kilometres away from the village. The long distance makes it difficult for small children to reach the centre. Residents also claim that pregnant women are unable to regularly access vaccinations and other essential health services because of this. Promises made but no action taken Villagers said that following initial protests by the Baiga community, the department began construction at another location. Officials had promised to build a new Anganwadi centre in Sehra Tola and appoint new workers and assistants. However, months have passed, yet the building has not been constructed, and no staff have been appointed. As a result, the centre continues to operate from an unsuitable private building without any staff. Villagers have demanded immediate intervention from the Chief Minister and the District Collector. Children served meals on waste paper in Sheopur Earlier in Sheopur district, a shocking incident came to light at Hullpur Secondary School in Vijaypur, where mid-day meals were served to children on waste paper instead of proper plates. After the video went viral, the administration suspended the school in-charge and cancelled the tender of the self-help group supplying the meals. Notices were also issued to the Block Resource Coordinator (BRC) and other officials. Investigations revealed that children at Hullpur Secondary School in Sheopur were being served food on paper for seven consecutive days. The self-help group supplying the meals claimed it was done to avoid washing utensils due to staff shortages, but the administration rejected this explanation and took strict action. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reacted on social media, stating, “My heart is broken, BJP has stolen even children’s plates in MP.” Following his post, the administration ensured that meals were served in steel plates. Leaders and officials also visited the school and shared meals with the children to assess the situation.