Issues with Gas Cylinder Supply in Anganwadi Centers
Gautam Vedpani, Bhagalpur. In the Anganwadi center of Babupur village, Rajnandipur Panchayat, Subaur, where the government has provided a single-burner gas stove, gas cylinders have not been supplied yet. Due to this, the workers have to cook food for children by burning corn husk. During the investigation by Prabhat Khabar in the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) operated Anganwadi centers in Subaur, several issues were observed.
Problems in Anganwadi Centers
Sevikas and helpers in Babupur village mentioned that although they received a single-burner stove on January 27, they have not received gas cylinders yet. This results in them cooking food on mud stoves which affects the children as well. Lack of utensils to cook food is also a major issue in these centers where workers bring food from home to feed the children.
Inspection of Anganwadi Centers
During inspections of various Anganwadi centers in different panchayats of Subaur, it was found that most centers lack proper facilities. Some centers only have a stove without a gas cylinder, while others face challenges like lack of rooms, proper utensils, and toilets. The quality of the stoves provided is also poor, with a significant difference in price compared to better quality stoves.
Complaints and Demands
The district coordinator of Bihar Anganwadi Employees Union has filed a complaint with the District Magistrate regarding the poor quality stoves distributed in the centers. The complaint highlights the discrepancy between the price paid by the government for the stoves and the quality provided. The Social Welfare Department has issued directives for the distribution of high-quality gas stoves, and it is expected that the supply of gas cylinders will resume soon in these centers.
सबौर के रजंदीपुर पंचायत स्थित बाबूपुर गांव के आंगनबाड़ी केंद्र में गैस सिलिंडर की आपूर्ति न होने के कारण सेविका आभा कुमारी व सहायिका को मकई का डंठल जलाकर बच्चों के लिए खाना गर्म करना पड़ रहा है। इस समस्या को देखते हुए बिहार आंगनबाड़ी कर्मचारी संघ के जिला संयोजक ने डीएम को शिकायत की है और समाज कल्याण विभाग द्वारा जल्द ही सिलेंडर की भी आपूर्ति शुरू होगी।