DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal today requested union Women and Child Development minister Annapurna Devi to probe corruption in procurement and supply of ration to pregnant and lactating mothers and children through Anganwadi workers in Punjab.

In a letter to the union minister, Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had taken away the responsibility of supplying milk powder, 'ghee' and 'panjeeri' ? from the cooperative Verka and given the same to a black listed private company. She said Anganwadi workers had approached her and disclosed that this private company was supplying sub standard products to women and children in the State.

Mrs Harsimrat Badal said this was not all. She said the AAP government had doubled the budget from the earlier Rs 150 crore to Rs 300 crore by increasing the number of beneficiaries. "Angwanwadi workers have told me a large portion of this money is being paid as commission due to which adulterated material is being supplied to beneficiaries".

The Bathinda MP said even though Anganwadi workers had protested against the rampant corruption, the AAP government instead of taking action in the matter was victimizing them. "Since the State government is refusing to entertain these complaints, I request you to order a probe to uncover the deep rooted corruption in the procurement and distribution of sub standard food material to the beneficiaries. I also request you to issue necessary directions to restore the integrity of our welfare programmes and ensure that the nutritional needs of our children and mothers are met with healthy good quality food".

The SAD leader also urged the minister to consider putting up the case for regularization of services of Anganwadi workers. She also requested the minister give an appointment to the National Anganwadi Committee president so that all grievances of Anganwadi workers could be taken up for resolution.
(editor@dailyworld.in)