‘The memorandum was issued with the aim of enhancing the career prospects and recognising the invaluable contribution of senior graduate anganwadi workers. These workers, with their educational qualifications and years of service, have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their roles. However, despite the clear instructions provided
in the memo, there has been a lack of progress in ensuring the promotion of eligible workers within the stipulated time frame’
From Our Correspondent
TURA, Dec 28: Anganwadi workers, under the umbrella of the All Garo Hills Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Association, have written to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, seeking his attention to the critical issues that have been reportedly affecting their welfare and working conditions.
In their letter, the anganwadi workers referred to a memorandum sent earlier on June 2, 2023, pertaining to the promotion of senior graduate anganwadi workers, the appointment of contractual female supervisors and the demand for first preference for in-service senior graduate anganwadi workers in promotions.
“These issues have created significant unrest among the workers and we seek your intervention to address them in a timely and effective manner,” said association president Monika D Sangma.
The first issue raised flagged by the association was about the fact that guidelines for the promotion of senior graduate anganwadi workers have not been implemented in a timely manner which, they argued, had caused considerable distress to the workers who have been serving for ages.
“The memo was issued with the aim of enhancing the career prospects and recognising the invaluable contribution of senior graduate anganwadi workers. These workers, with their educational qualifications and years of service, have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their roles. However, despite the clear instructions provided in the memo, there has been a lack of progress in ensuring the promotion of eligible workers within the stipulated time frame,” stated the complaint.
The anganwadi workers also flagged concerns over the appointment of contractual female supervisors and alleged transparency in the process.
“The lack of clear criteria for the appointment has created a sense of injustice among the existing Anganwadi workers. Many of them believe that their years of service and experience in the field should be taken into account when considering candidates for supervisory roles. Instead, the current process of appointing contractual supervisors, without a transparent selection process, has resulted in feelings of neglect and inequity within the workforce. The situation is exacerbated also due to a lack of job security,” they added.
With regard to the promotions and appointments, the association demanded first preference for in-service senior graduate anganwadi workers.
“The demand for first preference is based on the belief that they are best equipped to understand the nuances of the Anganwadi system and the needs of the community,” said Sangma.
The workers also stressed a need to compare the situation of anganwadi workers with other states, which, they felt, would corroborate the challenges faced by the anganwadi workers of Meghalaya in terms of career progression, recognition and job security.
The anganwadi workers have urged the chief minister to look into the issues being faced and resolve the same at the earliest.