Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 11:
Labelling state�s Social Welfare Department as the most corrupt Government institution that only serves as haven for unscrupulous elements, the Democratic students� Alliance of Manipur (Desam) has asked authorities concerned to put on hold the proposed recruitment process of fresh anganwadi workers and helpers.
Noting that the recruitment exercise had overlooked criteria like advertisement of posts etc, the student body also cautioned department officials against succumbing to political pressures or intervention from armed organisations.
Further referring to Government of India�s guideline on establishing anganwadi centres regarding one such centre for every one kilometre with a population strength of 600, DESAM alleged that not only are the regulations flouted but recruitment of anganwadi workers/helpers are being done at the behest of local representatives.
With violation of prescribed rules rampant, standard of education in the State is unlikely to improve in the near future until and unless all out efforts are made to cleanse the Social Welfare Department from such ills, DESAM observed in a statement while warning that any individual found indulging in corrupt practice would be ostracised in public.
Moreover, highlighting that establishment of anganwadi centres are far from uniform throughout the State, DESAM also asked State authorities to ensure egalitarian setting up of such educational centres, vital for pre-primary education, in the hill districts and those areas yet to be covered under the noble programme.
Social Welfare Department officials are also cautioned to authenticate setting of anganwadi centres conforming to structural and locational norms failing which DESAM would not relent from initiating appropriate action, the statement added.
The student organisation highlighted that anganwadi centres being the grooming ground for young minds (pre-primary education) there will be no room to tolerate corruption in either setting up of anganwadis or in the recruitment of workers/helpers.