Tribals seek school, Anganwadi centre in Anakapalli hamlets

Tribal residents of Losingi revenue village under Arla panchayat have urged authorities to immediately provide basic educational and childcare facilities in their habitations, citing a prolonged lack of infrastructure and daily hardships.

Around 270 tribal families living in Pathalosingi, Kotha Losingi, Pedagaruvu, Pitrigadda, and Neellubanda hamlets continue to remain without access to either a school or an Anganwadi centre.

In the absence of local facilities, children and mothers travel nearly 13 km to Rajannapet village twice a month to avail Anganwadi services. In addition, about 60 children commute nearly 10 km daily to attend school, raising concerns among residents over safety and accessibility.

According to villagers, the issue has been taken up earlier with the District Educational Officer (DEO), Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO), Mandal Revenue Officer, and ICDS Project Officer. Officials had reportedly visited the area and directed concerned staff to prepare proposals for setting up a school and an Anganwadi centre. However, no progress has been made since then.

“It has been months since we have seen any action,” villagers said, expressing frustration over the continued delay.

Tribal association leader K. Govinda Rao urged officials to intervene without further delay and ensure the sanction of both a school and an Anganwadi centre for the benefit of tribal families. He also appealed to District Collector Vijaya Krishnan to take up the issue and facilitate necessary approvals.

Earlier, tribal children, along with parents and activists, staged a protest to draw the attention of authorities to their long-pending demands.