SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has prepared a cabinet memorandum to provide compassionate appointments to the relatives of Anganwadi workers and helpers who die while in service, Minister for Social Welfare Sakina Itoo said on Monday.
Addressing an awareness programme in Baramulla, Itoo said the proposal seeks to ensure that a family member of a deceased Anganwadi worker or helper gets priority for appointment without undergoing the process of a fresh advertisement.
“The cabinet memo is ready and will be placed for further approval,” she said.
The minister acknowledged that Anganwadi workers and helpers continue to receive a low honorarium, but said successive governments led by the National Conference have taken steps to improve their welfare.
She said the honorarium of Anganwadi workers was increased during Omar Abdullah’s tenure as chief minister from 2008 to 2014, adding that the present government is committed to ensuring better financial support for them and increasing budgetary allocations for Anganwadi centres.
Highlighting their contribution, Itoo said Anganwadi workers have continued to serve communities even during challenging times and play an important role in implementing welfare schemes at the grassroots level.
She added that the government is also examining issues related to the service conditions of Anganwadi workers. Referring to changes introduced after 2019, the minister said the earlier system was modified by bringing in a retirement age, which she described as an incorrect decision, and assured that efforts were underway to address the concerns. (KNO)
