Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Pondicherry (2014-2017)

Abstract

Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services in Pondicherry for the period 2014-15 to 2016-17 revealed that the Department did not plan and assess the requirements of own and dedicated buildings for AWCs and there were delays in construction of own buildings for AWCs. Infrastructure and basic amenities as stipulated in the norms were inadequate in the test-checked AWCs. The Department procured food grains at a much higher rate from open market instead of lifting from FCI, at concessional rates, leading to an excess expenditure of Rs 9.06 crore. Non-supply of medicine kits every year defeated the purpose of extending basic medical care to children at AWCs. Non-supply of preschool kits affected the aim of holistic development of children by use of play and learning material. Monitoring was ineffective and inadequate inspections by CDPOs and Supervisors led to the deficiencies noticed in implementation of the scheme.