Baripada: Workers alleged that the money allotted for buying kits and toys in Anganwadi centers has been misappropriated in Badasahi block of Mayurbhanj district.
The government provides Rs 5000 to each Anganwadi center for buying kits, toys and other play material for kids.
All Anganwadi workers will have to buy toys and play material for kids with the money, which is credited into their bank accounts.
However, it was alleged that the officials involved in ICDS have interfered in the purchase of toys. Due to their interference and instruction, the Anganwadi workers were forced to buy sub-standard toys. The ICDS officials made money by involving in such corrupt practices, some workers pointed out.
Huge irregularities were allegedly committed in Rs 16.15 lakh fund provided to 323 Anganwadi centres in the block.
It is also alleged that the salary of 12 Anganwadi workers has been stopped.
However, an Anganwadi worker on the condition of anonymity revealed that the supervisors would take money from them and purchase sub-standard toys.
Some Anganwadi workers have already drawn the attention of the collector about such irregularities.
Local people and Congress leaders demanded that the collector should order a probe into the irregularities and take action against those who are involved.
Badasahi CDPO Kuntimanai Patra dismissed such allegations, saying no supervisor has been collecting money from Anganwadi workers to purchase toys.
“It is a conspiracy against me by some people,” he said.
District social welfare officer Kusummala Mishra said that she would look into the matter.
