Imphal, August 04: The Social Welfare Dept is now better known as child murderer among the masses, asserted Opposition MLA O Joy during the Assembly session while deliberating on the Demand Discussion of the Dept today.

Raising a policy cut motion while discussing Demand No 20-Community and ANP, IRDP and NREP, Demand No 49-Social Welfare Dept and Demand No 38 Panchayat, MLA O Joy categorically stated that most of the diets provided to the children at the Anganwadi Centres are all sub standard and very low in nutrients.

Referring to a ready made food packet called "Ready to eat" provided to the Anganwadi centres, O Joy informed that some of the children have even vomited after consuming the food packet and added that many worms were found in some of the food packets.

Taking out a sample of "Ready to eat" food packet in the House for demonstration, O Joy questioned the Social Welfare Minister whether the Firm producing the food stuff is a registered firm or not or whether the food stuff have been kept under controlled temperature after being transported to the State.

Stating that the Central Govt had already sanctioned Rs 8 crores in 2002-03 for constructing 660 Anganwadi centres in the State under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), MLA O Joy informed that construction of many centres, have already begun following the release of 50% of the sanctioned amount by the Central Govt but he however stated that he was not sure whether the Dept concerned is supervising over the construction to maintain quality.

Joy also informed the House that the Minister concerned and officials of Social Welfare Dept had chosen the site of the Anganwadis at their own choice flouting all rules and regulations.

Commenting on the Panchayati system in the State, O Joy opined that it would be better to change the present two tier Panchayat system to a three tier system and added that devolution of powers to the local self bodies by the Govt of India will help tighten the democratic forces in the country.

Opposition MLA N Biren who also spoke during the demand discussion asserted that the Central Govt is reluctant to provide any more Central Assistance funds to the State as it is fully aware that most of the Funds invested in the State are being siphoned off and misused.

He further informed that the State Govt have not been able to fully utilize a sum of Rs 40 crores sanctioned under the Prime Minister Gram Sarak Rojgar Yojana for the State last year.