Tuesday, 02 July 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Anganwadi workers submitted a letter to chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday to communicate their concerns regarding an increase in their monthly allowance and better retirement benefits. Stating this, the president of the Anganwadi Workers Association Rekha Negi informed that they have been consistently expressing the need for higher monthly wages and better retirement benefits to the State government for several years. Unfortunately, their pleas have been repeatedly ignored. Additionally, their demands have not been taken into consideration by the government due to the restrictions in place due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Following the end of the MCC, they have now submitted the letter to the chief minister.
She informed that in the letter they emphasised that under the Mahila Kalyan Kosh Anganwadi workers have to deposit Rs 100 per month. Based on the total amount deposited in the Mahila Kalyan Kosh, a lump sum of Rs. 10 lakhs will be provided to retiring Anganwadi workers aged 60 or above, or in case of sudden death, to ensure their well-being, she said.
She further highlighted that this fund was contributed by the Anganwadi workers for a secure future post-retirement. Further, Negi added that the monthly salary of Anganwadi workers should be raised in addition to the enhanced retirement benefits. She further emphasised that if the government continues to ignore their demands, Anganwadi workers statewide will unite in protest until their grievances are addressed.
It will be recalled that prior to the implementation of the MCC, the Anganwadi workers had previously protested across the state for the fulfillment of their demands. Additionally during the protest, they also closed the Anganwadi centres across the state for an extended period of time.
