Implementation of ICDS

Sir,
This refers to editorial “Panchayats & ULBs to implement ICDS ” (Daily Excelsior Jan 29th) . It is an encouraging decision indeed to end contractor system which has been marred by corruption and mismanagement. I have been urging upon authorities to decentralize the whole process of ICDS procurement from last more than a year. The distribution of food items at Anganwadi centers as per Supreme Court directions had to be supplied and procured through Mahila Mandals, Women Self Help Groups (SSGs) to ensure elimination of the contractor system. This practice was not followed in J&K.
The procurement of nutritional items under ICDS was made at district level earlier but from last few years it was further centralized and all the purchases are being made by Mission Directorate ICDS. The purchases for Anganwadi centers that would be made by Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)won’t necessarily be a transparent process but at least the members of Panchayat or ULB can be held accountable by the local communities. This which was not possible at state or district level. On 18.8.2018 I had written a piece in Daily Excelsior “Decentralize Procurement Process of ICDS” and had taken up the matter with Secretary Social Welfare as well. Secretary Social Welfare had assured to decentralize the whole process and the promise seems to have been fulfilled now. It is urged upon the Government is make voluntary disclosure of ICDS supply every month at village or mohalla level plus holding of frequent social audits by local residents. This will further ensure transparency in the procurement process and proper utilization of nutritional items in our Anganwadi centers
Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat
Srinagar

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