Port Blair, Aug 6: The Member of Parliament, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has taken a number of steps towards ensuring the welfare of Anganwadi workers of A&N Islands. On 04.08.2023 taking up the welfare issue of Anganwadi workers of A&N Islands to highest level, he moved a Private Member's bill in Parliament, titled "The Anganwadi Workers of Andaman and Nicobar (Regularization of Service and Welfare) Bill, 2023."

The primary objective of this bill is to provide for the regularization of the services of Anganwadi workers in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands by granting them the status of permanent employees of the Government. It aims to address the concerns surrounding job security and honorarium faced by these dedicated workers who play a crucial role in the implementation of the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme.

Anganwadi Centres, initiated by the Central and State Governments have become indispensable in rural areas, promoting health awareness among women and child welfare. The Anganwadi workers serve as strong advocates of various government schemes, ensuring the well-being of children and women.

However, despite their commendable contributions, Anganwadi workers lack job security and the meager honorarium provided is inadequate to meet their immediate basic requirements. This poses a risk to the effective functioning of the Integrated Child Development Scheme.

Recognizing the pivotal role of Anganwadi workers as a bridge between the Government and the general public, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma highlighted the necessity to safeguard their service and welfare. The bill aims to address these concerns and secure the rights of these workers.

The bill's introduction marks a significant step towards empowering and protecting the rights of Anganwadi workers, ensuring their continued dedication to the welfare of children and women in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.