Health check delays trigger Jamshedpur DC’s ire, 24-hour deadline set for measurements

Jamshedpur: Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi came down heavily on the Social Welfare Department officials during the monthly review meeting held at the Collectorate Auditorium, expressing dissatisfaction over slow progress in key welfare schemes. He warned that any negligence in the health measurement of children will invite strict action, directing 100% measurement completion within 24 hours, failing which show-cause notices will be issued to the concerned CDPOs and salaries of female supervisors withheld.

The meeting, attended by In-charge District Social Welfare Officer David Balihar, CDPOs, women supervisors, and other key personnel—with CO-cum-CDPOs joining virtually—reviewed various schemes under the department. The Deputy Commissioner set a stern tone, stating that delays or laxity in execution will not be tolerated and directed timely and quality completion of all departmental work.

Highlighting staffing concerns, Satyarthi noted that 41 posts of Sevika and 54 of Sahayika remain vacant in the district, hampering service delivery. He instructed that the recruitment process for all vacant posts be completed within a month to ensure seamless operations in Anganwadi centres.

Out of 1118 Anganwadi centres operating from government buildings, 213 are under construction. The DC instructed zonal officers to strictly monitor the construction progress, maintain quality, and ensure timely completion. He also directed that status updates of building completion be reflected in next month’s report.

Toilet facilities were found lacking in 21% of the centres, with 199 still under construction. The DC asked for expedited work to provide basic sanitation in all centres. Electricity remains unavailable in 114 centres, and Satyarthi asked for a detailed report, especially from areas facing pole unavailability or dilapidated structures. He ordered swift coordination with the Electricity Department to resolve the issue.

Against a target of 300 model Anganwadi centres equipped with Poshan Vatika, work is underway at only 112 locations. Calling this performance unacceptable, Satyarthi directed all CDPOs to develop nutrition gardens at every model centre and ensure community benefit.

Reviewing the status of children’s health measurement (0–6 years), it was found that only 80% achieved this month. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the urgency of addressing SAM/MAM malnutrition cases and urged CDPOs to move from identification to implementation of remedial measures. He also reviewed the performance of Malnutrition Treatment Centres and demanded improved responsiveness.

Expressing dissatisfaction over slow Aadhaar and face authentication in the Poshan Tracker, Satyarthi ordered immediate Aadhaar camps in all blocks to complete the authentication process, ensuring beneficiaries receive benefits without delay.

Noting poor performance in the Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Day (VHSND) initiative, the DC reiterated that it is directly linked to children’s health and nutrition, and any negligence here would be taken seriously. CDPOs were directed to conduct regular monitoring and enforce accountability.

Under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, only 14,562 of the identified 21,025 beneficiaries have been registered. The DC instructed immediate action to register the remaining and launch awareness campaigns so no eligible mother is left out.

For the Savitri Bai Phule Samridhi Yojana, 85% achievement has been recorded against a target of 55,000 beneficiaries. The DC stressed identifying the remaining eligible girls in coordination with the Education Department to ensure full coverage.

The DC also emphasized filling vacant posts at the One Stop Centre and accelerating repair work at the old age home to improve services for vulnerable sections.