Sarees distributed to Anganwadi workers as per prescribed norms through transparent
Sarees distributed to Anganwadi workers as per prescribed norms through transparent process; irregularities being rectified, non-standard Sarees to be replaced: Women & Child Development Department
Raipur, April 9, 2026//
Taking note of complaints regarding the length and quality of Sarees provided to Anganwadi workers and helpers, the Department of Women and Child Development has clarified that the distribution of Sarees was carried out as per prescribed norms and through a transparent process. The department stated that wherever discrepancies have been identified, corrective action is being taken and Sarees will be replaced if required.
According to the department, under provisions of the Central Government, each Anganwadi worker and helper is provided two Saree uniforms annually, with Rs 500 fixed per saree. Based on this, an order for supply of approximately 1.94 lakh sarees in the state was placed with an agency associated with the Chhattisgarh Khadi and Village Industries. The colour, design and length specifications were determined at the state level. As per the standards, the Saree length was fixed at 5.50 metres, and with blouse piece the total length was set at 6.30 metres.
Before the supply, samples from the agency associated with Chhattisgarh Khadi and Village Industries were tested by the technical agency in Mumbai, which found the quality to be satisfactory.
The Sarees were subsequently distributed to Anganwadi workers and helpers. However, after distribution, some complaints were received from the districts of Durg, Dhamtari, Raigarh and Kabirdham. These included issues such as shorter length, loose threads and colour fading. The department immediately constituted an inquiry committee to examine the matter. The investigation found that in some cases the length was shorter and there were weaving defects. The department clarified that as the Sarees are cotton, slight colour bleeding was observed in some cases during the first wash, but the colour stabilized thereafter.
The Department of Women and Child Development has now directed all districts to re-inspect the Sarees and report any deviations from the prescribed standards. The Khadi and Village Industries Board has also been instructed to replace such sarees and supply new ones as per the approved norms.
The department further stated that the work order itself included conditions requiring the agency to maintain quality and replace materials upon receipt of complaints. It emphasized that no beneficiary will be allowed to suffer any loss and all Anganwadi workers and helpers will be provided sarees conforming to the prescribed standards.
