Pilferage goes unabated in Anganwadis

Gadwal: The majority of the Anganwadi centres in the district are not functioning as per the set norms. According to recent reports, it was observed that Anganwadi centres have very less or nil supervision by the higher officials, confining Anganwadi teachers as lunch-providing ayahs to children.

With rampant corruption and lack of supervision by higher officials, the nutritious food supplied for the children below 0 to 5 years age group is being pilfered. It is alleged that the children are not given the required eggs, Balamrutham and other nutritious food meant for their growth. Moreover, several Anganwadis were not conducting awareness programmes on health for pregnant women. With most of the Anganwadi centres lacking ayahs, everything is being managed by the Anganwadi teacher.

“Anganwadi centres are not working as per the prescribed norms. With teachers not maintaining punctuality, the number of children attending the Anganwadi centres is on the decline. Sometimes, the teachers are forced to go the homes of children to bring them to the centres.

Sheer lack of supervision by the authorities has led to the present situation. Further, foods like Balamrutham which are supplied to Anganwadi centres for feeding children is being pilfered and sold illegally to cattle owners,” said Chinnaia, an MRPS leader from the district.

In view of this, the people are demanding that district administration and the ICDS officials concerned to take cognisance of the issue and carry out corrective measures.