Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, October 23-
With a view to improving the conditions of Anganwadi centres across the State, Punjab State Food Commission organized a special meeting chaired by Cabinet Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, who holds Departments of Industry, Labour & Employment, Rural Development & Panchayats, Tourism & Cultural Affairs and Investment Promotion. Besides Bal Mukand Sharma, Chairman, Preety Chawla, Indira Gupta, Vijay Dutt & Chetan Parkaksh Dhaliwal Members and Kamal Kumar Garg, IAS Member Secretary attended this meeting.
During the meeting, Chairman highlighted the findings from surprise inspections conducted by the Members at various Govt. Schools and Anganwadi centres and Ration Depots, which revealed alarming conditions prevailing at many Anganwadi centres. Key issues included dilapidated conditions of buildings of Anganwadi centres at many places, lack of adequate equipment for children’s activities, insufficient seating facilities and absence of clean drinking water.
It was also brought out by the Commission Members that aluminium utensils were being used for Mid Day Meals in several Govt. Schools, which require immediate replacement.
The Commission urged the Minister to allocate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for enhancement of infrastructure in Anganwadis and Govt. Schools.