“Several lapses were found during my recent visit to PHCs. A pile of garbage could always be found near the Centre near Market. A garbage bin should be placed at the spot,” the ZP president at a progress review meeting here on Saturday.

She said she has received complaint on non-availability of water at the PHC and directed the concerned to write to the municipal commissioner over the matter. Taluk Medical Officer Dr Narayanaswamy said there have been complaints on absence of female health assistants at rural Primary Health Centres and a report in this regard has been submitted to the District Health Officer.

A member urged to clean water supply tanks in view of increasing instances of epidemic diseases. The Executive Officer was told to direct Gram Panchayat secretaries to clean water tanks at least once in three months.

Noting that there have been complaints of misuse of food at anganwadi centres and that the food meant for children were being given to animals, the president sought a report from Child Development Project Officer.

Block Education Officer K S Nagaraja Gowda said a sum of Rs 14 lakh is required for distributing school bags to children, each bag costing Rs 84. A sum of Rs six lakh has already been released. However, good quality bags are not available for Rs 84. The SDMCs should shoulder the responsibility of purchasing and distributing the bags.

Taluk Panchayat president Byatappa said there have been instances of SDMC members misusing the money in collusion with teachers and urged the BEO to act on such complaints.

Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Lakshminarayana asked to maintain transparency while purchasing first aid kits for schools.

Officer taken to task

The ZP president took Social Welfare Department officer Abdul Khaji to task for not receiving telephone calls. She said she had been trying for his ‘darshan’ for the past four months and asked the officer to receive calls.

The officer, however, cited his own reasons. He alleged that several organisations ‘pester’ him for money and that the government has not provided him with a telephone facility. He said the landline in the office was being misused with bills coming to thousands of rupees. The telephone has been disconnected as the bill is not paid.

A person by name Shivananda has been creating scenes at the office. “I was taken to task by someone yesterday also. Where do I get protection?” he rued. The president suggested him to proceed on leave if he was unable to discharge his duties as an officer and lodge a police complaint against persons who demand money. Zilla Panchayat member Venkatamuniyappa, Assistant Secretary Venkataramanappa were present at the meeting.