Gauhati HC directs Nagaland Govt to reopen Anganwadi

Nagaland, July 15: The Kohima Bench of the Gauhati HC directed the Nagaland Govt to reopen the Anganwadi centres in the state.

Hearing public interest litigation, the bench of Justice Songkhupchung Serto and Justice S Hukato Swu gave the directions.

On behalf of the petitioner, Advocate Neiteo Koza submitted that lactating mothers and children were deprived of their required nutrition due to the closure of the Anganwadi.

In view of the pandemic, the economically- disadvantaged section of the society has even more need for nutrition supplement to build their immune system against COVID-19 and thus the state government should reopen the Anganwadi centres, she said.

The court observed, “It is common knowledge that the poor have been hit the hardest during this pandemic and they are in need of every help that can be provided. Therefore, it should be the endeavour of everyone responsible to make such services or benefits available at their doorsteps.”


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The court directed the Nagaland government and the departments of Social Welfare, and Food & Civil Supplies to reopen the Anganwadi centres and provide benefits to the people as per their entitlements.

Fixing the next date of hearing on July 28, Gauhati HC asked the Nagaland govt respondents to file an affidavit of compliance, and response to the petition.