TURA, Sep 24: Social activist from Tura, Cherian Momin, on Tuesday raised various issues faced by Anganwadi workers from Garo Hills, including the pending promotion of graduate workers. He also called for better implementation of the POSHAN Abhiyan and related schemes, with an emphasis on addressing technological barriers, delayed honorariums, inadequate infrastructure, shortage of supplies, and the need for cultural and financial support for effective service delivery.
The issues were raised by Momin in two separate memorandums submitted to the Principal Secretary of the Directorate of Social Welfare, P Sampath Kumar.
Regarding the pending promotions, Momin pointed out that, despite an order having been issued by the department, the promotions of the workers continue to remain on hold. “This memorandum is intended to bring to your notice a series of discrepancies, delays, and potential violations that have emerged in connection with the execution of the official directive issued by the Directorate of Social Welfare under Memo No. SW/CW/APF/7/2012/Pt /12858-903, dated 2nd June 2023. The said memo pertains to the promotion of graduate Anganwadi workers (AWWs), who have diligently served for a period of five years or more and meet the eligibility criteria as outlined. It is my considered submission that, despite the clear instructions contained in the memo and the efforts made to set in place a fair and transparent process for the promotion of deserving candidates, the on-ground realities reveal a different story—one marred by bureaucratic inertia, inconsistency in implementation, and alleged deviations from the laid down procedures,” Momin said, while urging Kumar to look into the matter.
The issue of challenges faced by the workers, as well as the better implementation of the POSHAN Abhiyan and other schemes, was raised in a separate memorandum on the same day. In the memorandum, Momin highlighted various lapses and shortcomings, as well as the workers’ requirements for the proper implementation of the schemes.
“The success of the POSHAN Abhiyaan and other welfare schemes hinges on the well-being of the Anganwadi workers, who are the backbone of these programs. By ensuring that they are adequately supported, both financially and emotionally, the government can make significant strides towards achieving its goals of improving nutrition, education, and health outcomes for the most vulnerable populations in our society,” Momin stated.
Other issues raised by Momin included the irregular payment of honorariums, the provision of meager cooking expenses to the workers, the shortage of MPR forms and registers, the lack of utensils and other essential supplies, inadequate infrastructure at Anganwadi centers, and workers’ travel allowances.
