Emphasis on healthcare: ZP CEO

Observing that the zilla panchayat had taken measures to tackle issues related to anganwadis, its CEO Dr Ajay Nagbhushan said that 1749 children with malnutrition have been identified in the district with 30 per cent being borderline cases.

Addressing members at a meeting organised at ZP auditorium here on Friday, he said importance would be given to provide healthcare and nutritious food to children in anganwadis.

Replying to a question by a ZP member, he said a proposal would be sent to the state government on providing uniforms for children studying at anganwadis. Mentioning that Bal Vikasa Samithi comprising of grama panchayat members and parents were already functioning in anganwadis, he said district health authorities have been given targets to conduct checkup camps in the district.

He said gas and electricity connections are also being provided to all anganwadis of the state. At present, 35 anganwadis have already been provided gas connections and subsequently 100 connections would be added each month.

Speaking about sanitation, he said 243 anganwadis have been identified without toilets. Work on constructing toilets in all anganwadis would be taken up under the Total Sanitation Campaign. The deadline for completing the work has been set for March 31, 2013, he added.

Also, ZP is aiming for providing own buildings for all anganwadis. Presently, 1701 of 2827 have own buildings.

Earlier, members Siddegowda alleged that doctors were not visiting anganwadi centres on a regular basis. Observing that cleanliness was lacking in anganwadis, he urged ZP CEO to take strict measures against errant doctors.

‘Throw the mike’

The newly-revamped acoustics of the zilla panchayat auditorium bore the brunt of members as the microphone failed to function effectively. Having spent Rs 61 lakh on revamping the sound system, the mike was not functioning as expected leading to a member saying ‘Throw the mike out of the hall’.