GUWAHATI, Dec 6 - Investigators probing the irregularities in the implementation of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Supplementary Nutrition Programme in the State have stumbled upon thousands of ghost beneficiaries and Anganwadi centres which existed only on papers and initial estimates say that the scam could be to the tune of several hundred crore rupees.
On papers, there are around 62,153 Anganwadi centres, but on ground their number is around 1,000 less, probe findings so far have indicated. Thousands of ghost names were also detected in the centres.
�In some centres, the total number of registered beneficiaries on papers is 200 or more, though only 10-20 children are actually getting the benefits on ground,� sources privy to the investigations said.
The government spends Rs 6 per general child registered with the Anganwadi centres and Rs 9 per malnourished child ever day. In the Northeast, the funding pattern is 90:10, shared between the Centre and State.
The investigations have widened the ambit of the probe and files pertaining to implementation of the schemes since the last ten/twelve years are being examined. Over 1,000 files of the Social Welfare Directorate have been seized by sleuths of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption bureau so far. �The files are being examined. People are likely to be summoned for questioning from next week,� the sources said.
The investigations were launched following an FIR by the Social Welfare Director.
The FIR was filed after an internal inquiry by the Social Welfare Department detected the slew of irregularities around three months back.
The Supplementary Nutrition Programme is one of the six services provided under the ICDS scheme which is primarily designed to bridge the gap between the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) and the average daily intake (ADI). Supplementary nutrition is given to the children (six months to six years) and pregnant and lactating mothers through the Anganwadi centres.