Shillong, April 1: A section of the Anganwadi workers have demanded the state government to immediately consider promotion of eligible graduate Anganwadi workers, regularise services and increase the honorarium to Rs 15000 per month.

They have sought the immediate implementation of pending promotion for graduate Anganwadi workers as per memo dated June 2, 2023.

In a letter submitted to the chief minister Conrad K Sangma recently, the Anganwadi workers said the Meghalaya government acknowledges the importance of Anganwadi workers in implementing key government schemes, such as maternal and child health programs, supplementary nutrition programs and early childhood education. However, in Meghalaya, Anganwadi workers who possess graduate degrees and have over a decade of experience have not been granted timely promotions, even though they meet the required service conditions for supervisory and administrative positions.

Stating that most Anganwadi workers in Meghalaya continue to serve on an honorarium basis, despite working under a structured government scheme with defined service conditions, the letter stated that the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and other applicable labour laws mandate that workers engaged in continuous service for years under government schemes must be regularized, ensuring job security, fair wages, retirement benefits, social security and employment rights.

“We urge the government of Meghalaya to regularize Anganwadi workers in compliance with the Meghalaya Service Rules, acknowledging their contribution in public welfare,” it said.

Also pointing out that the principle of equal pay for equal work, enshrined in labour laws, dictates that workers performing similar duties under government schemes should receive fair and comparable remuneration, the letter however said, currently, Meghalaya’s Anganwadi workers receive an honorarium from state share between Rs 3000 – central share Rs 4500 per month, which is not sufficient to sustain even basic living expenses.

In other states, Anganwadi workers receive higher honorariums along with additional benefits. “Therefore, we demand an increase in the honorarium to Rs 15000 per month, in line with national standards and government recommendations,” it added.

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