By | Staff Writer
KUPWARA, Sept. 17, 2024 – In the remote village of Hirri, Peer Mohalla, under the jurisdiction of the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) of Trehgam, residents have raised ongoing concerns over the repeated absence of an Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) worker at the local center. An investigation led by The Spotlight and Daily Inside Kashmir has uncovered that Hameeda Begum, the worker in question, was absent from her duties on September 17, 2024. Further findings suggest that she had manipulated the center’s virtual attendance system to falsely record herself as present.
According to Maryama, Helper at the same Peer Mohalla ICDS center, she arrived on time as per instructions from higher authorities. “I opened the center according to the time schedule that was given to me,” she said. When asked about Hameeda Begum’s whereabouts, she confirmed, “I have opened the center, but she did not come today. She is absent.”
The investigation corroborated this claim with testimony from the center’s supervisor, Ms Fehmeeda. “Hameeda Begum had updated the virtual attendance system, indicating that both she and the center were operational. However, upon inquiry, she admitted to being elsewhere and not present at the center,” Ms. Fehmeeda revealed.
A video statement from the center’s helper further confirmed the worker’s absence, adding weight to the allegations.
When reached for comment, Mujeeb ul Haq, the CDPO overseeing the region, stated, “The supervisor visited the center and has already issued an explanation notice to the worker. We will wait for Hameeda Begum’s official response before deciding on the next course of action, as we must proceed in accordance with the principles of natural justice.”
The incident has raised concerns about accountability and attendance tracking within the ICDS framework, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement to ensure transparency and reliable service to the community.
