(a) whether the number of Anganwadi Centres have increased;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has formulated any mechanism to identify fake beneficiaries registered in Anganwadis across the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof specially in Kerala?
MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILDDEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a) & (b): Yes Sir. There are 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) sanctioned by the Government. During the last years, number of operational Anganwadi Centres has increased as tabulated below:
Year Number of Anganwadi Centres
(Operational)
31.03.2014 13,42,146
31.03.2015 13,46,186
31.03.2016 13,49,563
31.03.2017 13,54,792
31.03.2018 13,63,021
31.03.2019 13,72,872
(c) & (d): The beneficiaries under the Anganwadi Services Scheme are identified on the basis of Aadhaar which is used as identity document for delivery of services or benefits which brings in transparency and efficiency and enables beneficiaries to get their entitlements.
The beneficiaries not possessing Aadhar card are assisted by the field functionaries to obtain the Aadhar card. Till such time they get the Adhaar card, they are provided the Anganwadi Services on the basis of alternative identification document. This is an important tool to eliminate fake beneficiaries, if any, and it is an ongoing exercise. It is applicable to all the States/UTs including Kerala.
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