Patna, Nov. 15: Annoyed with irregularities at anganwadi centres, the state government has authorised the beneficiaries to audit and monitor the system.

“The anganwadi centres are hit by irregularities and they rarely open on time. The state has authorised beneficiaries of the anganwadi system to audit and monitor the performance of the respective centres,” social welfare minister Parveen Amanullah Amanullah told The Telegraph today.

“Decisions would be made after taking opinions of majority of the people. The aim is to ensure proper functioning of the centres and benefits reach the target people. A government order was issued on November 9 for this,” he added. For the programme, vigilance committees comprising beneficiaries would be formed.

Amanullah said: “Everything would be properly recorded and people would monitor the work. Audit will be done by them on a daily basis.”

A beneficiary sabha would be held every month. The vigilance committees would also watch the anganwadi sevikas. If any committee finds the performance of a sevika unsatisfactory, it would have all the rights to take steps to ensure that she improves on her performance. If not, it could recommend the termination of her service.”

Amanullah added: “The committee could issue a warning to her (the sevika) at the beneficiary sabha and the panel could also impose a fine at the next sabha if the sevika shows no sign of improvement. If the sevika does not perform even then, the committee could recommend the termination of her service at the next sabha meant for the respective anganwadi centre.” The minister said this was in compliance with the 73rd-74th amendment of the Constitution, which stated the duties and responsibilities of the people.

Amanullah also talked about Take Home Ration Day, which is organised once a month. The minister said: “The people would also ensure that the purpose of the Take Home Ration Day is fulfilled. Around 40 children and 16 mothers (eight pregnant and eight lactating mothers) benefit from the programme. Children between six months and three years fall under the scheme. The vigilance committee would also keep a tab on it.”