BMS demands equal pay for equal work
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 14 2013:
Highlighting the poor status of the workers under Anganwadi Centre, Mid-Day Meal, SSA, NHRM and other Centrally sponsored schemes, N Tomba Singh, National Secretary of Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has urged the authorities concerned to regard them as employee of government and provide salary in tune with their work.
Those workers who are engaging to impart education and improve health of the people have no other service opportunities like honorarium, perks, job security, etc.
Contrary to the provision for equality among all and equal pay for equal work which are guaranteed under the Indian constitution, Anganwadi workers/helpes, ASHAs and other such employees under centrally sponsored schemes are receiving a paltry amount as salary, which is not in tune to changing time when the prices essential commodities have skyrocketed.
Besides they are not entitling to pension and other post retirement benefits, Tomba stated.
He went on to point out that payment of salary to Anganwadi workers is not regularly; while ASHAs who are engaged for around 8-9 hours in hospital are regarded as volunteers and given paltry amount.
Moreover, workers engaged under mid day meal are made to in schools for whole day.
But they are not salary at par with regular teachers.
While appealing to the state government to provide better facilities and opportunities to such workers in Manipur, Tomba pointed out that an Anganwadi helper and worker in state like Tamil Nadu receive around Rs 13-14 thousand and Rs 16-17 thousand per month respectively.
In order to fulfil the objectives of Child Development and of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, honorarium for Anganwadi workers and helpers have been increased.
Apart from 180 maternity and 20 days casual leaves, some States have also given post retirement benefits to such workers.