Question : ANGANWADI CENTRES

(a) whether cases of irregularities have been detected at some Anganwadi Centres;

(b) if so, the details thereof during each of the last three years, State-wise;

(c) whether there is a wide variation between the number of sanctioned and operational Anganwadi Centres;

(d) if so, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether there is an acute shortage of Anganwadi workers in different States;

(f) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(g) whether the Government has formulated a policy to bring about changes in the operation of Anganwadi Centres; and

(h) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF THE STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI RENUKA CHOWDHURY)

(a)&(b) No such case has come to the notice of the Government.

(c) As on 31.03.2007, out of 10.53 lakh sanctioned AWCs, 8.45 lakh AWCs are operational.

(d) As per an exercise conducted by the Ministry adopting the CPM/PERT Chart, operationalisation of AWC requires about 12 months from the date of its sanction. However, the reasons for the backlog are State specific and include delays in recruitment of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, court cases etc.

(e)&(f) State-wise details of sanctioned, in-position and vacant posts of Anganwadi Workers are given in the Statement annexed.

(g)&(h) Ministry of Women & Child Development is continuously monitoring and reviewing the implementation of ICDS Scheme with the State Governments/UT Administrations and requesting them to take all required administrative measures for early operationalisation of sanctioned AWCs.