25/10/2025
Alleged Irregularities Surface in Baramulla’s Anganwadi Centres
Untrained individuals reportedly working in place of official staff; demand for high-level probe grows
Srinagar // October 24 (UNS):
A shocking revelation has emerged from Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district regarding Anganwadi/ICDS centres operating under the Department of Social Welfare. Sources claim that in several centres located in remote rural areas, the appointed employees—particularly married teachers and helpers—are not performing their duties regularly.
In a serious allegation, it has been reported that some of these employees have secretly outsourced their responsibilities to other individuals, who attend the centres on their behalf and look after the children’s care and early education.
According to local residents, the entire system of child safety, early education, and nutritional schemes in many centres is being run by untrained persons. This has not only defeated the very objectives of the scheme but also put the health and future of children at risk. The situation has caused deep concern among parents.
Sources further reveal that certain Anganwadi workers, after marriage, relocate to other areas, making it difficult for them to attend their duties daily. Taking advantage of this, they reportedly hand over their duties and supervisory roles to unauthorized persons while continuing to draw salaries and other benefits themselves.
Locals stated that these centres were originally established to promote the healthy growth of children, provide pre-school education, basic health services, and nutritional support. The government allocates substantial funds to ensure quality facilities for children in backward and far-flung regions. However, due to lack of monitoring by officials and the disinterest of employees, the entire system has become hollow.
The situation raises several questions — primarily, if the real employees are not attending their duties, on what basis is their monthly attendance approved? Secondly, are the concerned supervisors and field officers unaware of this issue, or are they deliberately turning a blind eye?
The public has strongly demanded that an immediate high-level investigation be initiated into this serious matter. They have also called for surprise inspections of all centres to uncover ground realities. Strict action should be taken against those responsible to safeguard this crucial nutritional and educational welfare programme.
Residents have warned that if these irregularities continue, the positive goals of the Anganwadi scheme will never be achieved, and innocent children will be the ultimate sufferers. The public has appealed to the government to take urgent corrective measures and restore this important social structure to its intended path.
