New Delhi, March 31 (H.S.): Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has written a letter to the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, drawing attention to the problems faced by Anganwadi workers in the country. In his letter, he highlighted the need for gratuity payments for Anganwadi workers and other issues.

Rahul Gandhi mentioned in his letter that he recently met with a delegation from the All India Anganwadi Workers' Association and discussed the challenges they face. Anganwadi workers and helpers are the backbone of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program, tirelessly serving women and children by combating hunger and malnutrition, as well as providing pre-primary education. During the COVID-19 crisis, they went beyond their duties, working as frontline workers while taking significant personal risks. Despite their hard work for the nation's development, Anganwadi workers and helpers are struggling with insufficient wages, poor working conditions, and a lack of social security.

The Leader of the Opposition stated that one of the most crucial issues raised by the delegation is the non-payment of gratuity. It has been almost three years since Anganwadi workers and helpers were formally recognized as employees, granting them the right to gratuity under the Gratuity Payment Act, 1972. Despite this, the Government of India has taken no steps to implement this decision. I am sure you would agree that employees who have worked with commitment for decades deserve adequate retirement benefits.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar