Lack of govt concern towards Anganwadi employees unfortunate: AAP

Jammu, Sep 30: AamAadmi Party’s (AAP) state spokesperson Dr.Nawab Nasir Friday hit hard at Jammu and Kashmir Government for its allegedly “insensitive attitude” towards employees of ICDS referred to as Anganwadi employees.
He said that lack of Government’s concern towards these frontline workers is unfortunate as they struggle hard even to get the meagre amount which they are paid for hectic work.
Dr.Nawab addressed a presser over the issue in the Kashmir office of AamAadmi Party wherein he castigated the Jammu and Kashmir Government for “ignorant attitude” with these employees leaving them on God’s mercy.
He said that the ICDS employees referred to as Anganwari employees who include workers and helpers are frontline workers and are given task of different nature like collection of field data, public awareness, running Anganwadicenters and even their services were utilised during COVID-19 vaccination period.
“Despite having their role in different Government schemes and works, Anganwadi employees are finding no takers for their genuine demands and the irony is to this much extent that they are paid peanuts on the name of salary which too is released after gaps of months,” Dr.Nawab said.
He further added that a number of Anganwadicenters are being run from personal structures of Anganwadi workers and helpers as there are no designated government buildings and no rent is paid to the owners for using their establishments.
Jammu and Kashmir Government should frame a proper policy in which proper desirable remuneration should be paid, medical leaves and allowances should be provided, the employees should also have provision of pension and Ex-gratia, regularisation process, promotions, TA and DA alongwith winter vacations, Dr.Nawab further said.
He said that winter vacation is inevitable for pre-school run by Anganwadis because of no heating arrangements available in centres and this should also be a part of concern for Jammu and Kashmir Government.
He added that the Jammu and Kashmir Government should have a look at the Anganwadi policy of AamAadmi Party’s Government in Delhi where a handsome honorarium is paid to them besides other standard facilities in centers to ensure that Anganwadicenters function as an important social units in society.