Advisor Farooq Ahmad Khan reviews functioning of ICDS

Jammu: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan, had an exhaustive review of Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) of Social Welfare Department here today.Advisor emphasized that the ICDS is aimed primarily at providing nutrition to children, especially those from the underprivileged and far flung areas. He also reviewed issues pertaining to pending payments in this regard.Secretary Social Welfare Department, Sheetal Nanda, informed the Advisor that up-to-date targets, both physical as well as financial, under Poshan Abhiyan are being achieved successfully by the department. Similarly, the targets under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) are also being achieved by the department. Around 44 thousand, of targeted 49 thousand beneficiaries, have already been provided cash assistance of Rs 5 thousand under the scheme, she added.She informed that drinking water and toilet facilities are being constructed in each Aanganwadi centre of the UT. Out of target of 28078 drinking water facilities, only 1900 are remaining to be created besides only 2600, out of projected 25469 toilet projects, are yet to be completed, added the Secretary.

Advisor took stock of the staff rationalisation procedures being adopted by Social Welfare Department for efficient and optimum utilisation of Anganwadi Centres and the workers therein.Advisor Khan called for framing fresh and clear rules to eliminate scope of ambiguity in issues pertaining to disbursal of relief, eligibility of beneficiaries and related concerns. He asked the officers for geo-tagging of every Anganwadi Centre of the UT for effective functioning of these vital institutes of the government.Taking strong notice of arbitrary engagement of individuals by district offices, Advisor issued directions seeking explanation and taking stern action against the erring officers. He also assessed departmental issues including those pertaining to DPCs and recruitment besides legal matters.Advisor gave patient hearing to all issues and demands highlighted by MD ICDS assuring an appropriate resolution of the same.Those present in the meeting included Mission Director ICDS, Rubina Kousar among other officers of the Social Welfare Department and ICDS.