Imphal, December 12 2009: Although a sum of Rs 5 lakhs had been taken as advance in connection with construction of 10 Anganwadi buildings in different parts of Patsoi Assembly Constituency under Imphal West district, no buildings have been ever constructed.

Under the Social Welfare Department, a total of 1554 new Anganwadi centres are to be constructed in different parts of the State.

Out of this, construction of 318 buildings have been sanctioned in Imphal West district including 25 in Patsoi Assembly Constituency.

Of these 25 new Anganwadi buildings to be constructed in Patsoi Assembly Constituency, the advance amount for construction of 10 buildings at the rate of Rs 50,000 each had been granted in June-July this year along with the work order in favour of two agencies proposed by local MLA Sapam Kunjakishore alias Keba.

The two work agencies identified as O Samu and H Pakash are supposed to complete the construction of the buildings within 3 months of sanctioning the fund.

However, till date no sign of any construction work could be seen.

The sites where the new Anganwadi buildings are proposed include Ramji Kabui Khul, Sangaiprou Maning Leikai, Mayaikoibi Ningthoujam Leikai, Ghari Mamang Leikai, Sadokpam Awang Leikai, Yengkhom Leirak Awang, Loukham Leirak Awang Maning Leikai, Tera Wangthonbi, Lukram Leirak Awang Leikai and Tera Loukrakpam Awang.

It is said that Social Welfare Department had sanctioned the advance amount for construction of the 10 buildings after the DRDA gave its approval.

The advance amount for construction of the remaining 15 new Anganwadi buildings has not been, however, sanctioned.

When The Sangai Express went around to inspect the sites where the new Anganwadi buildings are supposed to come up, it was confirmed that indeed there has been no sign of any new building or construction work.

Most of the Anganwadi centres in these places are also being operated in private residences and outhouses.

Interacting with The Sangai Express, Anganwadi workers and helpers working in these centres asserted that they have not been informed anything about the construction of new Anganwadi buildings by the local MLA.

However, around one year back, signatures were collected on blank papers maintaining that it was for construction of Anganwadi buildings and group photographs clicked along with the workers and helpers at the supposed sites where the Anganwadi centres are to be constructed.

After this, nothing had been intimated, the Anganwadi workers and helpers said, while questioning what action the authorities concerned is going to taken up against the work agencies who have not constructed the Anganwadi buildings inspite of having taken the advance amount.

During the course of the investigation, it has also come to light that there are also some issues which are yet to be resolved like the inability of the workers to decide where the proposed Anganwadi buildings should be constructed and the difference of opinion between the Government and the work agency on the model of the building to be constructed.

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