Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Feb 18: The Government today said that any enhancement in honorarium for Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) will be taken up with the Government of India and examined subject to availability of funds.
Replying to a question by MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami regarding centrally sponsored schemes, the Government addressed concerns over disparity in honorarium paid to Anganwadi Workers and Helpers in J&K compared to other states and Union Territories.
The Social Welfare Department stated that the monthly honorarium paid in the UT follows the national 90:10 funding pattern between the Centre and the UT.
It added that the J&K Government is already providing an additional UT share over and above its committed contribution.
As per the figures placed before the House, Sanginis (AWWs) receive Rs 5,100 per month – Rs 4,050 as Central share, Rs 450 as UT share and Rs 600 as additional UT share. Sahayikas (AWHs) receive Rs 2,550 per month, including Rs 2,025 as Central share, Rs 225 as UT share and Rs 300 as additional UT share.
The Government said any revision would require concurrence of the Government of India and would be examined subject to fund availability.
In response to another question, the Government said delays, if any, in holding Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) in the Social Welfare Department are mainly due to litigation, seniority disputes pending before courts and proposals under process to update service rules.
The department said DPCs are conducted periodically for eligible employees, subject to vacancies and fulfilment of required conditions.
It clarified that delays in promotions or regularisation are linked to ongoing court cases and service rule revisions.
On alleged delays in disbursement of funds to NGOs running Old Age Homes, the Government maintained that funds are released without delay once verification and formalities are completed.
It informed the House that two grant-in-aid schemes are operational in the UT – the State/UT Grant-in-Aid Scheme and the Grant-in-Aid to Senior Citizen Homes Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment through the e-Anudhan portal.
Under the UT scheme, funds are credited directly to NGOs through the District Social Welfare Officer, while under the Government of India scheme, funds are transferred directly by the Ministry concerned.
Regarding alleged denial of skill-based wages to highly skilled workers, the Government said that under Mission Vatsalya, manpower is engaged strictly on a need-based, contractual or outsourced basis as per guidelines of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
It stated that remuneration is paid according to these guidelines and that the question of denial of skill-based wages does not arise.
On the delay in opening new Anganwadi Centres in uncovered habitations, the Government said no new centres are currently being approved by the Government of India.
However, it noted, proposals meeting the prescribed criteria would be examined and forwarded to the Centre for consideration.
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