Title: Need to increase the remuneration of Anganwadi workers-laid.
SHRIMATI C.S. SUJATHA (MAVELIKARA): There are about 14 lakh women engaged in the work at around 7 lakh Anganwadi centres spread across the country. The Anganwadi workers are doing commendable service to the society, particularly to the rural poor. Their area of service include pre-school education, supplementary nutrition, health and referral services, pregnant women and lactating mothers and children under six. But it is rather unfortunate that these poor women are forced to work for a pittance. The honorarium provided to an Anganwadi worker is Rs 1000.00 and a helper Rs 500/-. The Anganwadis should be transformed into Childcare-cum-Creche making it into full time service integrating various other Government schemes into it. The remuneration has to be substantially increased keeping in view of the increasing cost of living. Also, the number of Anganwadi centre should be raised to cover the ration of one centre for thousand people.
I urge upon the Government to take urgent measures in this regard.