CAG report points to poor child development services in state

Ahmedabad: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) stated that the average number of children in the age group of 0-6 years enrolled annually between 2015-16 and 2022-23 was 40.34 lakh, which is 48% less compared to the 77.77 lakh children in the same age group as per the 2011 census.
In the report tabled in the state assembly on Friday, the CAG noted a shortage of over 16,000 anganwadi centres (AWCs) in Gujarat.
The CAG report, commenting on implementing the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, stated that figures confirmed nearly 37.43 lakh (48.13%) were not enrolled in AWCs despite being eligible. "This difference in the eligible population could not be verified due to the non-availability of data regarding the unwilling population," the report stated.
The report added that the govt, accepting the facts, mentioned that a database of people unwilling to avail themselves of the benefits of the scheme would be maintained. Out of 53,029 AWCs, 3,381 operated in temporary structures, while 30 functioned in open areas. Moreover, 8,452 AWCs had dilapidated buildings.
The CAG report pointed out that 1,299 AWCs did not have toilets, while 1,032 did not have drinking water facilities. Further, all AWCs, including 1,759 constructed between 2015 and 2023, failed to meet the specification of a 600 sq ft covered area for 30 children. Around 22,550 AWCs experienced overcrowding with more than 30 children enrolled there.
Several AWCs lacked ramps with railings for disabled children, and there were deficiencies in cooking utensils, growth measurement equipment, and medicine kits. Additionally, 6,709 water purifiers worth Rs 3.82 crore remained unused due to the non-availability of water and electricity connections.
The report recommended a comprehensive assessment of the current AWC network and the development of a strategic plan that outlines clear targets for establishing new AWCs and upgrading existing ones, along with timelines and resource allocation.
The CAG stated that the state govt should ensure annual procurement of kits based on the number of AWCs, expected student enrolments, and historical demand to prevent last-minute rushes. The govt should take steps to shift the AWCs running in open spaces to community buildings or rented premises.
(GFX sent to designers)
POINTER: SHORTFALLS IN OTHER SERVICES
- Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP): Among the 4.63 crore beneficiaries enrolled under the SNP, 3.99 crore (86%) received the benefits
- Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE): The ECCE programme fell short in providing preschool education (PSE) to 18.79% of children aged between 3-6 years enrolled in AWCs between 2015 and 2023.
- Immunisation Programme: The state achieved immunisation for 94% of the targeted number of children aged up to one year.
- Infant and Child Health: The percentage of low-birth-weight infants decreased from 12.33% in 2017-18 to 11.63% in 2022-23. However, the department is yet to achieve the target of reducing the proportion of low-birth-weight newborns by 2% per annum as per the National Nutrition Mission (NNM) guidelines.
- Inadequate antenatal and postnatal services: The coverage of antenatal and postnatal check-ups and care, immunisation, and administration of tablets for pregnant and lactating mothers was notably insufficient from 2015 to 2023 when compared to the total number registered with the health department.