Punjab State Food Commission Member Vijay Dutt conducted a surprise inspection in the Balongi area of District Mohali today. During his visit to the Anganwadi Centre at Azad Nagar, Balongi, it was found that the centre was not functioning at its designated site.
On verification, it was discovered that Anganwadi Worker Suman Pal and Helper Kundan Devi were operating the centre from the residence of the helper due to the unavailability of an official building. It was also observed that no parents were sending their children to the centre, and there was no proper space to store Anganwadi materials and supplies.
Former Panch Lal Bahadur informed Dutt that the land for the centre was originally acquired from Dalip Singh and handed over to the Panchayat, which later allocated it for Anganwadi purposes. However, the place has now been illegally locked and reportedly sold by private individuals, rendering the centre non-functional.
Taking serious note of this irregularity, Vijay Dutt immediately contacted the District Programme Officer (DPO) Mohali, Nikhil, and directed him to conduct an immediate inquiry and take corrective action.
The Commission has formally issued a notice to the DPO, directing him to submit a detailed “Action Taken Report” within seven days to the Punjab State Food Commission.
In addition to this, Vijay Dutt also inspected Government Primary School, Government High School, and other Anganwadi Centres in the Balongi area.
He instructed all officials and staff to strictly follow the provisions of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and ensure that beneficiaries, including children and mothers, receive all entitlements without interruption.
Dutt emphasized that any form of negligence will not be tolerated and that accountability must be ensured at every level for the effective implementation of food and nutrition-related schemes.