Ms. Nitika Pawar, Secretary Social Welfare conducted a surprise inspection of Bal Bhawan, Sector 23, Chandigarh, Working Women Hostel, Sector 23, Chandigarh, Crèche, Sector 15, Chandigarh, Crèche, Sector 25, Chandigarh, Crèche, Sector 37, Chandigarh and Crèche, Sector 45, Chandigarh today.
During the visit, Secretary Social Welfare reviewed the overall functioning, infrastructure and facilities available in the crèches and found many discrepancies therein. It was noticed that the procurement process of necessary toys for children and other materials has been delayed and in this regard, directions were issued that the procurement process shall be completed within 01 month.
It was also found that 7 posts of Bal Sevika are vacant in various crèches and the process of appointment of Bal Sevika is over delayed. Maintenance of the premises was not up to the mark and in this regard, Chief Engineer was directed to review the premises at regular intervals and necessary maintenance may be carried out through Civil, Electrical, Public Health and Horticulture wings. Working Women Hostel, Sector 23 was also visited and directions were issued to make it operational by 01st of August, 2022. It was found that in Crèches of Sector 37 and Sector 45, illegal occupants were residing in small hutments. Accordingly, directions were issued to concerned SDMs for taking necessary action for early eviction. Sufficient staff in form of Malis and Safai Karamcharis to be made available for Bal Bhawan, Sector 23, Chandigarh as well as for 54 Crèches being run by ICCW.
The department was directed that contact list of emergency and public utilities i.e. nearest Dispensary, Local Police Station, Fire services, Ambulance services etc. shall be prominently displayed at each crèche.
During the visit, it was also found that the admission form in crèches was being distributed to the applicants at the price of Rs. 50. In this regard, Secretary Social welfare directed that the admission forms be distributed to the applicants free of cost and same may also be made available on website. In view of the discrepancies found during the visit the services of the Child Welfare Officer / Incharge have been terminated with immediate effect.
