Jammu, April 28 (Scoop News) – Stressing for attitudinal change in the mindset of the functionaries, the Minister for Social Welfare Ms. Sakina Itoo, has called upon the officers at the helm of affairs and Anganwari Workers to work honestly for effective implementation of poverty alleviation and other welfare schemes, including, Integrated Child Development scheme, to achieve the noble goal of providing succor to the needy.
The Minister was addressing one-day convention of J&K Anganwari workers and helpers of Jammu division at Government Boys Polytechnic College Jammu, here today.
Ms Itoo said that the Coalition Government is striving hard to effectively implement the ICDS scheme and cover those areas which have not been so far benefited under the scheme. She said that since the scheme primarily aims at providing required nutrition to the poor children, the concerned functionaries should take the job as a service to suffering mankind. She said that the Government has sanctioned 3025 new Anganwari Centres while the Centre has provided funds for construction of Anganwari Centres. She said that the construction of these centers would be taken in hand soon. Ms. Sakina said that the Government is aware about the problems being faced by the Anganwari workers and helpers. She said that their genuine demands would be taken on priority basis in phased manner.
Ms Itoo said that the Government has already enhanced the honorarium of Anangwari workers and helpers by Rs 300 and Rs 200, respectively. She said that it has put a burden of Rs 15 crore on the State exchequer. She said that the promotion cases of Anganwari workers as Supervisors are under active consideration of the Government. She assured that these promotion orders would be issued soon.
Ms Itoo stressed upon the workers and helpers to work with dedication and serve the downtrodden sections. She said that Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, is keen for socio-economic development of the State and has taken several steps for the upliftment of the poor and deprived sections of the society.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Social Welfare Aijaz Ahmad Khan said that Anganwari workers are serving the poor children which are a noble cause and they should work with more dedication. He said that Anganwari workers also play an important role during elections, conducting of survey census, polio vacination and other social activities for which they deserve special appreciation.
Earlier, the Secretary, Social Welfare Department, M. S. Khan gave a brief of the activities of the Social Welfare Department.
MLA, s. Bimla Luthra, Director Social Welfare, Mehmood Rana and State President, Anganwari Workers also spoke on the occasion.