JEYPORE : The anganwadi workers of Koraput and Jeypore sub-divisions have decided not to participate in the distribution of mosquito nets among villagers, scheduled next month.
Citing reasons, the anganwadi workers said they were harassed by villagers during survey and distribution of ration cards under National Food Security Act (NFSA) last year.
As per the guidelines of Health and Family Welfare Ministry, the district health administration had deployed ASHA karmis for a survey of the beneficiaries in different villages and recently Koraput unit of health department decided to distribute the nets in different areas through Gram Kalyan Samitis headed by anganwadi workers of villages concerned.
As the notice was circulated, anganwadi workers of Koraput and Jeypore sub-division have declined to perform the duty. They said before the administration that since they had not conducted the survey, it would not be fair for them to distribute the nets. Moreover, they claimed that they would have to face the ire of the villagers if any irregularities come to the fore in survey papers.
However, they assured to help the health staff during distribution without taking the responsibility of survey. Meanwhile, sources said over one lakh nets are likely to be distributed in the district through Gram Kalyan Samitis headed by anganwadi workers. They claimed that some anganwadi workers were humiliated and beaten up by villagers who were not enrolled for NFSA ration cards.
Apprehending similar attacks, the workers decided not to play the prime role in distribution of nets in tribal areas.