DIMAPUR, JUNE 23 (MExN): The Nagaland Public Rights Awareness and Action Forum (NPRAAF) today stated that a year after its meeting with the Social Welfare Department, the department has not taken any visible steps to address the issues raised by the forum on the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme in the State.
A press release from the NPRAAF once again urged the department to follow the Government of India Guidelines and the Supreme Court directive in procuring Supplementary Nutritional Program (SNP) ICDS flagship scheme.
The NPRAAF said that “flouting all GoI rules and Supreme Court directives, the Social Welfare Department has unilaterally and arbitrarily allowed contractors to supply unhealthy and unhygienic food items and at the same time continues to violate CVC Guidelines by illegally renewing contract of the suppliers after expiry of contract term, without calling for legitimate e-tendering and further allows the contractors to supply the same.”
It demanded that the Social Welfare Department inform the public why it “continues to defy the Central Government’s and the Apex Court’s directives.” The NPRAAF also demanded that the number of beneficiaries in different categories and fund allocated district wise for two years i.e. 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 be made public.
The forum meanwhile questioned if the categories of beneficiaries enlisted by the department have the certification or authentication by respective Deputy Commissioners or by any nodal officer.
“In the event that the department fails to address the issue within 20 days time, NPRAAF will initiate appropriate legal and democratic action,” it informed.
