Ruling ZP accused of misappropriating NABARD-sanctioned anganwadi list

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Sep 29, 2012: Congress members of the Zilla Panchayat (ZP) walked out over the issue of moving an anganwadi sanctioned under the NABARD project at the general body meeting of the ZP.

It was Mamatha Gatti who first raised this issue. She said that NABARD had sanctioned 25 anganwadis, and accordingly, one was sanctioned to Shaktinagar in Sajipamunnur. However, it was moved to Kotekani against the rules.

 

 

She urged Shakunthala, deputy director of the woman and child welfare department, to read out the list sanctioned by NABARD, but the ruling members and Shailaja Bhat, president of the ZP, refused her request. Member Devaraj objected to this and said that refusal to read the list is an insult to the members. Accusing the ZP ruling members of not maintaining transparency in the administration, he decided to walk out of the meeting.

Later Mamatha Gatti and Mohammed told reporters that the list of NABARD-sanctioned anganwadis has been misappropriated. They also said that they will submit a memorandum to the DC to withhold changes made to the list and sanction the original list.

The issue of shortage of teachers was also raised during the meeting. DDPI Moses Jayashekar said that there are at least 465 vacant assistant teachers’ posts in DK. While guest teachers have been recruited for high schools, primary schools still have a shortage of primary teachers.

When ZP member Girija said that the school in Sarapady does not have adequate science and math teachers, the BEO said that the portion till mid-term will be completed during Dasara holidays by guest teachers.

Speaking on this issue, ZP CEO Dr. K. N. Vijayaprakash said that only 220 of the 245 posts have been filled for science, math, and English teachers in high schools. While 171 teachers are required for CBZ, there are only 154 teachers. Simultaneously, an average of 35 teachers goes on maternity leave per year while 15 teachers claim to be unwell, 15 go for higher studies, and 35 go on deputation.

Mamatha Gatti pointed out there is a shortage of classrooms too in Sajipamoodu PU College and high school. The CEO promised that he will write to the DDPU Board to sanction extra classrooms.

Member Santhosh Kumar Rai urged KIADB officials not to denotify the acquired Daivasthana and Naganakatte at SC Colony in Muloor. A KIADB official said that the property was acquired in 2008 and cannot be denotified, but the Naganakatte and Daivasthana can be set aside for the devotees, and a letter regarding this will be sent to ZP members within one week.

The president, vice president, and the presidents of the standing committees were felicitated on this occasion because they will complete their term on Oct 7.