Maoists Warn Officials Politicians

Posters allegedly pasted by Maoists warning the local politicians and health department officers not to take bribes when appointing anganwadi workers in the Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), has sent shock waves amongst the purported recipients in the district.

Whilst some posters have been found in school and college campuses as well as at a public health centre, some letters have found their way directly to certain politicians and health officials. This was particularly the case in the Barasahi and Betnoti areas.

The movie posters and letters argued that the appointments should be based on the results of a transparently-conducted examination. Only the results secured in the qualifying examination should be taken into account whilst making the appointments. The posters further proclaimed that most of the applicants so far had passed them by unfair means and called for a meritocracy-based ICDS structure. Sources said that about 40 anganwadi workers posts under Barasahi PHC will be filled up soon. The posters further criticised the alleged misappropriation and other irregularities in health schemes like NRHM and child welfare schemes like ICDS, while alleging that the nexus between the politicians and corrupt officials prevent these health services from reaching the poor. Even the central team, which had been to the district, has stated that the NRHM is not properly implemented, the posters pointed out. The health officials should stay at their respective headquarters and do their duties properly, the posters said.

July 02, 2009