Port Blair, June 12: Shri D. Ayyappan, Vice President, CITU A & N State Committee along with a delegation of Andaman & Nicobar Anganwadi Workers & Helpers’ Union met the Director of Social Welfare, A & N Islands today (12.06.2023) and discussed with him various demands concerning the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers.   He brought to the notice of the Director of Social Welfare that only a paltry amount of Rs. 9000 per month is given to the Anganwadi Workers and Rs. 6000 per month to Anganwadi Helpers as honorarium and demanded its substantial enhancement considering the high cost of living prevailing in the islands.

He told the Director of Social Welfare that Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi and Government of Puducherry have already increased the Honorarium for the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers in their respective territories.       

Shri D. Ayyappan and Union delegation also brought to the notice of the Director of Social Welfare the issue of late payment of honorarium to the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers. At present, only 50% of the Honorarium is paid to the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers while the remaining 50% is paid after a considerable period of time reportedly due to shortage of fund.  The Union leaders further demanded timely release of room rent of Anganwadi Centres by the Social Welfare Department. 

Director of Social Welfare assured the delegation that these issues will be considered favourbaly by the Department.  The other members of the delegation were (1) Shri M. Yugandar, Secretary, CITU State Committee, Smt Geeta Devi, President, Smt R. Anbukkarasi, General Secretary and Smt Venkatamma, Joint Secretary of A & N Anganwadi Workers’ and Helpers’ Union.