Shillong, April 8: The All Garo Hills Anganwadi Workers’ and Helpers’ Association (AGHAWHA) has urged the Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to enhance the honorarium of the workers, payment of TA and DA, money for firewood, upgradation of Anganwadi workers, equal pay for polio and Covid duties among others.
“It is a matter of concern that the Anganwadi workers (AW) are paid low despite their heavy duties. The cost of essential goods has also skyrocketed and the Anganwadi workers cannot sustain their daily life with a meagre honorarium.”Inspite of such hardships, we are working sincerely leaving no stone unturned for each and every duty as directed by the government. And hence, the workers demand Rs 10,000 as honorarium”, the association said.
The workers also said the payment of TA and DA to them are irregular.
The Association urged the government to revise the present cost of firewood from 45 paise to atleast Rs 1. The cost of firewood which is to be paid quarterly is also irregular and hence the Anganwadi workers cannot function smoothly as firewood is necessary daily to cook food for the children.
Many Anganwadi workers are educationally qualified and experienced in field works. In view of this,the association has urged the government to upgrade the qualified and experienced workers in the best interest of the society.
The Anganwadi workers are given additional health programmes like polio immunisation , survey on TB and other health related issues. “We demand equal pay for polio immunisation because the Anganwadi workers are performing additional duty. The Anganwadi workers are paid Rs 75 while ASHA workers are paid Rs 100 per polio duty. There should not be difference in payment to Anganwadi workers and ASHA workers. The government must pay Rs 100 for AW workers for polio programme”, the association said.
The AW workers came out and performed duty during Covid-19 thereby rendering dedicated service to the society . “But it is a matter of concern that there was no reward for such commendable job and hence there is a need to provide incentives to them”, the association added.
Photo caption: An Anganwadi worker administers polio vaccine to the daughter of West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh.
