Khaira: Even as the government spends lakhs of rupees on purchase of toys for kids in Anganwadi centres, large-scale irregularities were allegedly committed in Khaira block of Balasore. Some officials of the W&CD department were allegedly involved in it.
Reports said each Anganwadi centre was provided with Rs 5000 and Mini Anganwadi with Rs 2500 for 2016-17 and 2017-18. Funds were credited into the accounts of Anganwadi workers. They were supposed to buy synthetic and clay toys, models of body parts, spring ropes, Ludoo, picture boards and other articles for kids.
It was alleged that some corrupt officials provide only Rs 350 while the rest Rs 4650 was misappropriated. Rs 2200 was taken from Mini Anganwadi workers.
The officials have purchased sub-standard toys for Rs 1200 and Rs 1400 from a company in Baripada. There are 300 Anganwadi and Mini Anganwadi centres under Khaira block. The officials linked to ICDS have allegedly misappropriated over Rs 3.5 lakh in the purchase of toys. The purchase receipts are also not available with the Anganwadi workers.
Anganwadi workers, though unhappy over the irregularities, are reluctant to reveal about the irregularities.
Sub-collector Nilu Mohapatra said as it was a serious allegation, the CDPO will be asked to look into the irregularities.
CDPO Narmada Deo said since Anganwadi workers have not yet bought sets of toys, they have not been given the receipts. She would visit the centres in a day or two, the CDPO said.
