Political leaders slam closure of 500 Anganwadi centres in TN

chennai: the reported closure of over 500 anganwadi centres across tamil nadu has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who have urged the state government to reconsider the move, citing the welfare of underprivileged children.tamil nadu bjp party leader nayinar nagendran strongly condemned the shutdown, terming it a "direct threat to the nutritional security of poor children" and a sign of "administrative failure" by the dmk government.he alleged that while the national education policy (nep) proposes the upgradation of anganwadi centres into primary schools, the ruling dmk continues to oppose it for “narrow political reasons.” “instead of implementing constructive reforms, the government is focused on publicity and empty promises,” he said.nagendran also accused the dmk of reneging on key poll promises, including the assurance to regularise anganwadi workers as government staff and enhance the nutrition programme. “four years have passed, and not a single step has been taken. the chief minister must act immediately and stop the closure of these centres,” he added.echoing similar concerns, former chief minister o. panneerselvam criticised the deteriorating state of public infrastructure. “hospitals lack medicines, universities are short of professors, schools have no teachers, and now anganwadi centres are functioning without staff,” he said, demanding the reopening of the centres.amma makkal munnetra kazhagam (ammk) general secretary t.t.v. dhinakaran also joined in condemning the move and called for urgent government intervention to safeguard the welfare of children and anganwadi workers.