Anganwadi workers’ stir for service benefits

Bhubaneswar: Thousands of anganwadi workers on Friday staged a rally near the state assembly here demanding government recognition and pay hike, among others. All Odisha Anganwadi Ladies Workers Association president Sumita Mohapatra said they hit the streets because the state government did not pay heed to their demands. “We are working for different government projects tirelessly, but we are not recognised as government servants. Our work has been increasing year by year, but the salary is not increasing. How can we run our family with such a meagre salary (Rs 7,500 per month)?” she asked.Mohapatra said, “We demand Rs 18,000 monthly salary for anganwadi workers and Rs 9,000 to anganwadi helpers until the government recognises us as government servants.”

Anganwadi workers to now retire at 65 years

The retirement age of Anganwadi workers in Chhattisgarh has been increased from 62 to 65 years ahead of the upcoming elections. The state government has also increased the percentage of vacancies filled by Anganwadi helpers from 25% to 50%, and reduced the required years of experience for recruitment from 10 years to five years. Additionally, the honorarium for Anganwadi workers has been raised from Rs 6,500 to Rs 10,000, while the honorarium for helpers has been increased from Rs 3,250 to Rs 5,000. On retirement, workers will receive Rs 50,000 and helpers will receive Rs 25,000.

Public library to be converted into anganwadi

The public library in Amraiwadi, Ahmedabad, is being shut down due to harassment by local hooligans, and will be converted into an anganwadi. The decision was made following a letter from the chief librarian of MJ Library to the mayor, citing continual harassment and a request to close the library. The library, inaugurated in 2005, had to be demolished due to metro rail construction and was rebuilt in 2017. The proposal to convert the building will be presented to the standing committee for approval.

Egg procurement for anganwadis hit due to cash crunch

The women and child development department in Dakshina Kannada has failed to supply eggs to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children in anganwadis due to a delay in fund allocation. The Bala Vikasa Samithi, responsible for procuring eggs, has raised concerns about the non-payment of funds for September and partial clearance of bills for August. Each Samithi spends over Rs 4,000 per month on procuring eggs. The deputy director has directed officials to use their own money and promised reimbursement once funds are sanctioned. Payment of salaries to anganwadi workers has also been delayed.

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