Sanjay Bumbroo

Tribune News Service

Fatehgarh Sahib, Sept 18

Anganwadi centres in Fatehgarh Sahib have not received ration for mid-day meal for the past three years, resulting in an increase in the dropout rate. Notably, there are 900 anganwadi centres in Sirhind, Amloh, Khamano, Bassi Pathana and Khera blocks of the district.

During a random survey of various anganwadi centres, including the one at Sanipur village, it was found that they had not received supplies for the past six months due to which children go home hungry, causing resentment among parents. Earlier, about 10 children came to the Sanipur anganwadi centre. Now, only six come to the centre.

Amarjit Kaur, an accredited social health activist (ASHA), said they received ration for mid-day meal six months ago but the supply was stopped abruptly. She said they themselves brought children to the centre and offered food on their own.

District Programme Officer Naresh Kumar said they had sent an estimate of Rs 87.3 lakh for the ration for the first quarter of the current financial year to the higher authorities but it had not been cleared.

Gurpreet Singh and Lakhvir Singh, both residents of Sanipur village, said children used to get daliya, kheer, panjeeri and other items in their meal. “Their parents used to do odd jobs to make both ends meet after dropping their children at these centres but now they are worried,” they said.

900 centres in district

Anganwadi centres in Fatehgarh Sahib have not received ration for mid-day meal for the past three years, resulting in an increase in the dropout rate. Notably, there are 900 anganwadi centres in Sirhind, Amloh, Khamano, Bassi Pathana and Khera blocks of the district.

District Programme Officer Naresh Kumar said they had sent an estimate of Rs 87.3 lakh for the ration for the first quarter of the current financial year to the higher authorities but it had not been cleared.