Improvement of infrastructure in Anganwadis under prime focus at high level meeting of Punjab State Food Commission

Chandigarh, October 23:

          With a view to improving the conditions of Anganwadi centres across the State, Punjab State Food Commission organized a special meeting chaired by Cabinet Minister, Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, who holds Departments of Industry, Labour & Employment, Rural Development & Panchayats, Tourism & Cultural Affairs and Investment Promotion. Besides Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma, Chairman, Preety Chawla, Indira Gupta, Vijay Dutt & Chetan Parkaksh Dhaliwal Members and Kamal Kumar Garg, IAS Member Secretary attended this meeting.

          During the meeting, Chairman highlighted the findings from surprise inspections conducted by the Members at various Govt. Schools and Anganwadi centres and Ration Depots, which revealed alarming conditions prevailing at many Anganwadi centres. Key issues included dilapidated conditions of buildings of Anganwadi centres at many places, lack of adequate equipment for children’s activities, insufficient seating facilities and absence of clean drinking water.

          It was also brought out by the Commission Members that aluminium utensils were being used for Mid Day Meals in several Govt. Schools, which require immediate replacement.

          The Commission urged the Minister to allocate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for enhancement of infrastructure in Anganwadis and Govt. Schools. The Minister assured the Commission that sufficient funds would be allocated for making these improvements through CSR and the untied Rural Development & Panchayat Funds. He also informed about the plans to compile a list of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), who could be motivated for giving donations for this social and noble cause.

          Prior to this meeting, Punjab State Food Commission held its meeting to discuss reports about samples collected at various Anganwadi Centres. Chairman, Punjab State Food Commission informed that a follow-up meeting with the concerned Departments / Ministries would be convened shortly to address these issues.