Shillong, May 21: The All Garo Hills Anganwadi Workers’ & Helpers’ Federation (AGHAWHF) called off the proposed strike following the assurance from the Social Welfare Department.
The federation convened an emergency general meeting at DC Park, Tura, on Thursday (May 21) attended by representatives of Anganwadi workers and helpers from various ICDS projects across the Garo Hills region to deliberate on matters relating to the ongoing strike, delayed honorarium payments, and other issues affecting the welfare of Anganwadi personnel.
After extensive deliberations and careful consideration of the communication received from the Social Welfare Department, the Federation unanimously resolved to call off the ongoing strike with immediate effect in the larger interest of the beneficiaries, particularly women and children who depend on the uninterrupted services provided through Anganwadi Centres. Accordingly, all Anganwadi workers and helpers have been directed to resume their duties and ensure the smooth implementation of all programmes under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme.
During the meeting, members expressed serious concern regarding the continued delay in the release of honorarium dues to a substantial number of Anganwadi workers and helpers across several ICDS projects in Garo Hills. The Federation noted that while certain payments have reportedly been released partially, many workers continue to await their legitimate dues, particularly the state share component of their honorarium.
The Federation further brought to the notice of the department that a considerable number of Anganwadi workers and helpers under Betasing, Selsella, Baghmara, Gasuapara, Gambegre, Tikrikilla, Rongram and Chokpot ICDS projects, among others, have not yet received their pending state share honorarium. The prolonged delay in the disbursement of these dues has caused significant financial hardship to the workers and helpers, many of whom depend solely upon the honorarium for the sustenance of their families.
Furthermore, the Federation expressed grave concern over the pending release of Building Maintenance Grants and honorarium payments in several ICDS projects across Garo Hills. Members reported that a substantial number of Anganwadi Centres and workers are yet to receive the state share component of Building Maintenance funds and honorarium dues. According to information placed before the house, the affected Projects include Betasing (13 Centres), Gasuapara (4 Centres), Resubelpara (15 Centres), Selsella (6 Centres), Rongjeng (4 Centres), Songsak (6 Centres), and Kharkutta (8 Centres), where the state share and honorarium payments have not yet been released.
The Federation observed that the delay in the release of these funds has adversely affected the maintenance and upkeep of Anganwadi Centre infrastructure, besides creating severe financial hardship for Anganwadi workers and helpers who continue to discharge their responsibilities with dedication despite prolonged non-payment of their legitimate dues. The house unanimously urged the Government of Meghalaya and the Social Welfare Department to take immediate corrective measures to ensure the prompt release of all pending Building Maintenance Grants, state share honorarium, and other outstanding dues so that both service delivery and infrastructure maintenance are not adversely impacted.
While deciding to withdraw the strike in good faith, the Federation unanimously resolved to urge the Government of Meghalaya and the Social Welfare Department to take immediate and effective measures for the release of all pending state share honorarium and other honorarium dues. The Federation has also requested the Department to undertake necessary verification to ensure that every eligible Anganwadi worker and helper receives rightful entitlement without further delay.
The Federation further appealed to the authorities to ensure that no adverse administrative action, coercive measures, or discriminatory treatment are imposed upon any worker or helper who participated in the peaceful democratic agitation undertaken solely for the protection of their legitimate rights and welfare.
