Gandhinagar: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the state assembly expressed concern over the poor performance of the women and child development (WCD) department. It recommended increasing the number of anganwadis in proportion to population growth and addressing service deficiencies.
The PAC report on the Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) of India’s report on the performance of state govt departments was tabled in the state assembly last Friday.
According to the report, based on the 2011 census data, the state needed 75,480 anganwadi centres, but only 52,137 (69%) were sanctioned. By March 2012, 50,225 of these centres were operational.
“In a written explanation sent on Oct 10, 2024, the women and child development department cited reasons like the implementation of the election code of conduct for the 2012 state assembly elections and insufficient staff for the delay in making the centres operational. Additionally, due to urban-rural geographical differences, requests for new centres could not be sent to the govt of India. In a meeting held on Oct 23, 2024, the department representative informed the committee that contrary to the audit remarks, the state govt requested the central govt for more anganwadi centres, and the request was approved,” the report stated.
The PAC expressed concern over several anganwadis operating from rented buildings without basic essential amenities like washrooms. The committee additionally highlighted issues regarding the food quality served in the anganwadis and the shortage of trained personnel.
The PAC in its report stated, “ICDS (Integrated Child Development Service) workers require training upon joining and refresher courses. Despite expending substantial funds, training gaps remained from 2007-12. The department informed the committee that trainees are now enrolled and must attend training, with no delays in batches. Attendance is monitored through CCTV, biometric systems, and WhatsApp.”