Anganwadi worker faints during ‘illegal’ meeting

An Anganwadi worker complained of chest pain and fainted during a meeting held in violation of model code of conduct at a jam-packed room in Puduchatram here on Thursday.

E. Vasuki, Block level Child Development Project Officer organised a review meeting for Anganwadi workers at the ICDS office in Puduchatram at 2 p.m.

As many as 83 workers were present in the small room that can hold not more than 30 people.

Only a single fan was available in the room that was insufficient for all. Also, due to intense heat and lack of air circulation, workers were unable to breathe properly.

The meeting continued till 5 p.m.

Madeswari (50) complained of chest and fainted in the room. She was shifted to District Government Headquarters Hospital in Namakkal for treatment. However, she was later admitted to a private hospital in Salem.

The meeting was held despite the Election Commission warning officials not to conduct any review meetings as the model code of conduct is in force.

Ms. Vasuki said that since a junior assistant was to retire on April 30, workers were asked to come in groups to sign in the stock book for receiving the toys for ICDS earlier.

She refuted conducting the meeting.

When contacted, District Election Officer V. Dakshinamoorthy told The Hindu that Namakkal RDO Kannan was asked to conduct an inquiry into the matter. “Based on the report, action will be initiated,” he said.