Anganwadi workers express concern over cut in grants for ICDS

They fear that attempts are being made to privatise the implementation of the scheme

Karnataka State Anganwadi Workers Association, affiliated to Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), has expressed concern over the Union government slashing grants for the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) by 50 per cent and also the attempts being made to privatise the implementation of the scheme.

In response to a State-wide call, members of the association, on Friday, submitted a memorandum to B. Sriramulu, Member of Parliament, explaining their plight in the event of privatisation and also over the reduction in grants and urged him to take up the issue with the government during the winter session of Parliament.

Condemned

J. Satyababu, general secretary of the district unit of CITU, and Yerramma, general secretary of the association, speaking to presspersons here, condemned the Narendra Modi government at the Centre for effecting cut in grants and apprehended that it would severely hamper the implementation of the scheme besides defeating the very purpose of combating malnutrition among young children.

According to them, the budgetary allocation of Rs. Rs. 18,103 crore during 2015-16 had been cut by Rs. 8.245.77 crore.

They also criticised the move of the Union government to privatise the implementation of ICDS and said that if given effect, it would affect 28 lakh anganwadi workers and assistants working for over eight hours every day for petty honoraria.

They have urged the MP to view the issue very seriously and prevail upon the Union government to enhance grants besides fixing minimum wages for anganwadi workers and assistants.

Setting up a department for ICDS, not to privatise its implementation, allotting Rs. 36,000 crore during the budget this year, announcing minimum wages of Rs. 15,000 per month, are among the other demands put forth by them.

They have also demanded minimum wages for cooks and assistants under the mid-day meal scheme.

Demands

Set up a department for ICDS

Do not privatise scheme implementation

Allot Rs. 36,000 crore in this year’s budget

Announce minimum wages of Rs. 15,000 a month