Maharashtra: Over 26,000 Anganwadi Centres Still Lack Toilet Facilities, Reveals Govt Data
Recent data released by the Maharashtra Women and Child Development Department has revealed that 26,232 Anganwadi centres across the state are still functioning without toilet facilities. This shortfall remains a major concern, considering the vital role these centres play in delivering early childhood care, education, and nutrition through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme.
Of the 110,591 operational Anganwadi centres in Maharashtra, only 84,269 are equipped with toilet facilities. The remaining centres either depend on public sanitation or lack access to basic amenities altogether. This deficit in infrastructure has raised serious concerns regarding health and hygiene, particularly since the centres primarily serve young children and women.
“Basic facilities like toilets and drinking water are essential for every child. It is crucial that the government ensures these are available in all Anganwadis,” said Mahendra Ganpule, former president of the Maharashtra Headmasters’ Association.
The figures were presented in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly as part of the Netritva Samvaad (Leadership Dialogue) initiative, highlighting ongoing gaps in essential infrastructure at the grassroots level. According to government norms, every Anganwadi centre is required to have toilet facilities. Nevertheless, nearly 24% of the centres currently lack direct access to sanitation.
Of the total centres, around 72,345 are self-owned. Among these, 9,664 still do not have toilet facilities. In response, the state government has initiated the installation of baby-friendly toilets made from Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) technology. While 163 such toilets have already been installed, the remaining 9,501 are scheduled for completion within the 2024–25 financial year.
Additionally, approximately 22,670 centres operate out of rented premises, particularly in urban areas such as Mumbai and Pune. The Department has acknowledged that the lack of control over rented properties presents a significant obstacle in ensuring proper sanitation. To address this, a government resolution issued in August 2023 mandated that all rented premises must include essential amenities such as toilets, drinking water, sewage systems, and electricity, with government funding allocated for the same.
Despite these measures, progress has been slow. Only the centres located within school premises—numbering 7,999—have confirmed access to school toilets. Many others, particularly those based in community spaces such as temples, libraries, and community halls (totalling 7,577), continue to struggle with limited or inconvenient access to sanitation.
The state government has pledged to improve infrastructure as part of its 2025 development plan. However, the current figures highlight the urgent need for sustained investment in basic facilities. Ensuring the dignity, safety, and well-being of both children and female staff in Anganwadi centres must remain a top priority for Maharashtra’s public service agenda.
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