Team Herald
PANJIM: The Department of Women & Child Development (WCD) will re-submit proposal to extend the retirement age of Anganwadi workers from 60 to 65 years. WCD Minister Vishwajit Rane has assured that he would pursue the matter with the government to ensure the workers are taken care of.
“I will re-submit the proposal to Chief Minister (Pramod Sawant) to increase the retirement age to 65 years. I don’t make empty promises… You’ll have my complete support,” he said while addressing a gathering of Anganwadi workers and helpers on the occasion of Poshan Abhiyaan (nutrition month) (nutrition month) in the capital on Wednesday. “Your contribution is immense and we will protect your interest,” he said amidst huge applause from the attendees.
During the launch of the programme at Sanquelim, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had said that government has decided to extend the retirement benefits to Anganwadi workers.
The department has decided to continue the process of creating the database of children studying in Anganwadis which would be reviewed every three months. The database would also consist of meals provided to the children, their weight and overall development.
The minister went on to state that department would leave no stone unturned to reach out to every eligible individual under various women and child schemes. “Besides the existing, we will also run new schemes… We are making every effort to make sure that the department is not only known for disbursing funds under Laadli Laxmi and Griha Aadhar,” he added.
In the coming days, around 100 Anganwadis would be converted into model Anganwadis that would also comprise of counselling section and shifted to new location.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition, Poshan Abhiyaan, is Government of India’s flagship programme to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. Poshan Maah Utsav was launched in the State on August 31, 2019 with various activities organised in September 2019 through Anganwadi centres of the State. Thank You Didi was the part of this Poshan Maah Utsav.
Chief guest for the function Governor Mridula Sinha said women’s importance in the society is increasing day by day. “Women have made their name in all the fields. Women while discharging their duties in their respective professions and jobs also shoulder the responsibilities of their family life. It is thus important that they should be healthy and take nutritious food,” she added.
Activities held during the Poshan Maah Utsav explained the success of this programme. “Poshan Maah” is celebrated to take the message of nutrition to every nook and corner of the State and to make it a people’s movement. It also focuses on complimentary food, treatment and prevention of infections in children” Sinha said.
