While allegations of irregularities in the purchase of articles for Angawnwadi Centres (AWCs) to the tune of about Rs 1 crore have surfaced putting the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) in the dock, surprisingly, no action has been taken against the accused yet.
Reports said last year, articles including chairs, tables and water filters worth about Rs 95 lakh were procured through the DSWO for Anganwadi Centres of the district flouting the guidelines. After the allegations erupted, the district Collector, following a preliminary inquiry, had sought a reply from the then DSWO Kusumbala Mishra in July. And, after completion of the probe and finding the reply to the showcause notice by Mishra as unsatisfactory, the district Collector had recommended for a departmental proceeding against Mishra.
In the meantime, Mishra has been transferred from the district.
Reports further said that although the district Collector had asked to take departmental action against her, yet even after four months, no action was taken.
Reports said the district has 4,176 Anganwadi Centres and articles were procured for these centres through a committee. Despite instructions they were purchased overlooking the guidelines. Besides, it is alleged that some articles were not given to the centres even as they purchased against their names.
The intellectuals alleged that action eluded in the case as there could be some unknown lobby to hush up the issue.