Overloaded with work: Child Development officers

Anitha (name changed) is a Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) in Chennai, though that is her designation, she does more than what is expected off her. Anitha begins her day at 9 am. In the absence of a field supervisor, she is more than just an administration staff.

“Every time there is a Central Government programme being implemented, I have to be there, I work on Sundays too. Adding to this, I am piled up with sanctioning leaves, clearing bills and stepping in for supervisor,” Anitha shared.

With about 26 years of experience, Anitha, who covers over 100 anganwadis in the city, is not the only one burdened by never ending work. In Thiruvannamalai, Shanthini (name changed), with over 27 years of experience, has a similar story to tell. She covers nearly 120 centres under her project. “I have to file reports on the system, as the staff employed for the purpose is not equipped with the expertise to work on it. I travel to places across the district to cover centres.” CDPOs form an important link for the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). The officers, mostly women, monitor the smooth functioning of the anganwadis, submit reports to the higher officials and ensure the reimbursement of the anganwadi workers receiving the indent to be forwarded to the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies.

According to K Shanmugavelayutham, convenor, Tamil Nadu Forum for Crèche and Childcare Services, the guidelines for the ICDS, every CDPO should cover about 100 anganwadi centres. He added that with a large section of them catering to more centres than the prescribed norms, there is a delay in reimbursing the workers—from three to six months. “There are instances across the State, where CDPOs cover more centres. Among the 434 CDPOs, take the case of Kurunjipadi in Cuddalore, where one CDPO sees 220 centres.” He added that closer to home, there are instances of 189 centres under one CDPO at Kancheepuram St Thomas Mount and 187 centres at Kancheepuram Kundrathur. He added, “In Ashok Nagar project and Nungambakkam Project too there are 112 and 109 centres each.” He also pointed out that supervisors—grade 1 and grade 2 - cover about 60 centres in place of the prescribed 30 centres. “With 40 per cent vacancy in the cadre, the burden falls on the CDPO,” he added.

A higher official from the Social Welfare and Nutritious Noon Meal Programme said that just recently 100 CDPOs were appointed across the State. “This is a promotional post and the supervisors or superintendents have been promoted to the post. Similarly, field supervisors too are promotional posts and there is no issue regarding filling them,” said the source.