The Telangana government has issued fresh orders granting village sarpanches expanded authority to supervise Anganwadi centres across the state. Under the new directive, sarpanches will assume primary responsibility for monitoring the functioning of these centres, with the aim of strengthening delivery systems and improving accountability.
The decision has been taken to curb irregularities in the distribution of nutritional supplies and to reinforce the operational efficiency of Anganwadi services at the village level.
Special Committees to Monitor Nutrition and Distribution
As part of the new framework, special monitoring committees will be formed under the leadership of the village sarpanch. Each committee will consist of 11 members, with the sarpanch serving as chairperson. The Anganwadi teacher will act as convener, supported by an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), a school science teacher, a retired employee, and mothers of young children.
The committee will be tasked with regularly examining the quality and distribution of essential nutrition supplies, including rice, pulses, Bal Amrutham, eggs, and milk. Monthly inspections will ensure that food items are delivered in proper condition and reach intended beneficiaries without diversion.
Focus on Maternal and Child Nutrition
The monitoring mechanism will also review the implementation of the Arogya Lakshmi scheme, which provides meals to pregnant women and lactating mothers through Anganwadi centres. Ensuring that nutrition reaches children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers remains the central objective of the initiative.
Authorities emphasised that the committees will play a key role in safeguarding the distribution of nutritional resources valued at significant public expenditure, ensuring transparency and proper utilisation.
Background to the Decision
The government noted that for nearly two years, the absence of elected local governing bodies in villages affected supervision of Anganwadi centres. During this period, monitoring systems weakened, and irregularities in nutrition supply distribution were reported in several locations.
With newly elected panchayat governing bodies now in place, the government has moved to restore accountability by formally assigning oversight responsibilities to sarpanches. The move is intended to improve administrative coordination and strengthen grassroots monitoring.
Administrative Impact and Implementation
The order reflects the government’s broader approach toward decentralised governance and local-level accountability. By involving elected village leadership in supervisory roles, authorities aim to ensure consistent monitoring and improved delivery of welfare services.
The new oversight structure is expected to enhance transparency in nutrition distribution and support better functioning of Anganwadi centres across Telangana. Implementation of the directive will now proceed through village-level administrative coordination and regular committee reviews.
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