Women activists from rural areas of Jharkhand assembled here to share their experiences with the system, leakages in the delivery mechanism and poor state of affairs in the implementation of various social sector schemes. Participating in the 8th conference of ‘Right to Food’, several women activists rued complete institutional apathy in the implementation of social sector schemes.
Notably, voices have been raised by social activists as Jharkhand still awaits implementation of the Food Security Act which has been passed by Parliament in 2013. Social activist Balram informed the activists about genesis of the campaign and underscored the significance of such movement in enforcing implementation of schemes that faced institutional hurdle.
Balram said lack of political will in the implementation of schemes is cause of concern. Noted developmental economist Jean Dreze said the campaign is an effective way to force implementation of schemes and also that the voices in the campaign should reach villages. Dreze suggested collective monitoring of schemes at block level. Identification of beneficiaries defined under the Food Security Act is yet to be done which is said to be the single biggest hurdle in the implementation of the scheme.
Women activists revealed the actual state of affairs at Aanganwadi, the quality of food being served under Mid-day Meal, lack of adequate supplies for nursing mother and anemic girls.