The state is on the fast lane of development but the benefits have not reached marginalised children as expected, revealed a joint study by two non-government organisations (NGOs).

The survey conducted by Patna-based Bal Lok Adhikar Manch and Calcutta-based Child Rights and You (CRY) revealed many anomalies at anganwadis centres in 20 districts. The report was released on Sunday at Gandhi Sanghralaya.

The survey was carried out at 200 anganwadi centres in slums in Patna, West Champaran, Banka, Begusarai, Samastipur, Jamui, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Lakhisarai and others over the past six months. The survey indicated that 62 per cent of the anganwadi centres are functioning from rented premises, while only 9 per cent have drinking water and toilet facilities. The members of the NGOs also found that the quality of pre-school education services was not up to the mark.

Sardindu Bandopadhyay, senior manager, development support unit, CRY, said: “The survey’s aim is to motivate the state government and NGOs to strengthen the centres. The benefits of the programmes of anganwadi centres need to reach kids.”