ICDS supervisors plead for timely salaries ahead of Eid, Baisakhi

Srinagar, Apr 06: Supervisors of the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) have made a fervent appeal to the Union Territory administration to streamline their monthly salaries by delinking them from the Central Share Scheme (CSS) and linking them directly to the UT’s budget.
Describing themselves as permanent employees and the backbone of the Poshan Programme, the supervisors expressed dismay over the fact that their salaries have been put under the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) instead of the Budget Estimation, Allocation and Monitoring System (BEAMS). They pointed out the discrepancy where Assistant Child Development Project Officers (ACDPOs) receive their salaries from the UT budget, which they see as unjust to the supervisor fraternity.
The supervisors lamented the routine delay in receiving their salaries, especially during festive occasions. “This fiscal year 2024, we were particularly disappointed by the lack of salary release ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr and Baisakhi,” they said.
Sharing their concerns, the ICDS supervisors disclosed that they have endured a distressing four-month period without receiving their salaries. “Despite repeated appeals to the administration, our pleas have seemingly gone unheard, leaving us in a precarious financial situation,” they said.
With the burden of familial obligations weighing on them, they expressed their disappointment at being unable to participate in the upcoming celebrations due to financial constraints.
Abida War, the president of the JKICDS Supervisors’ Union, said, “Supervisors are suffering across the Jammu and Kashmir UT due to the prolonged delay in salary disbursements.” She stressed the recurring pattern of being denied their rightful earnings, particularly during auspicious occasions.
War urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene and ensure the immediate release of their pending salaries.
The supervisors stressed the importance of timely salary payments, not only for their personal well-being but also for enabling them to participate fully in the festivities with their families.