PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The Women Empowerment and Child Development (WECD) minister, Rekha Arya, announced that over 7,000 Anganwadi workers and assistants in the rural areas of the State will receive appointment letters starting on May 20. She said this during a review meeting held on Friday.
During the meeting, Arya evaluated the Anganwadi appointment process and said that, aside from Haridwar, the provisional selection list has been released for 12 districts. The provisional list for Haridwar is expected to be published this week. She asked officials to solicit objections regarding the list promptly and to address any concerns within the specified timeframe. Arya emphasised that the appointment letters will be distributed starting May 20 and district-wise events will be organised for this purpose.
Additionally, Arya reviewed the Chief Minister’s Mother and Child Shubh Jeevan Yojana. She highlighted the importance of ensuring health care, nutrition and support for women and their children during the crucial 1,000 days following conception. She instructed officials to finalise the scheme and submit it for cabinet approval as soon as possible.
Arya also directed that necessary amendments be made to the Chief Minister Single Women Self-Employment Scheme and expedited for cabinet passage. Under this initiative, single women are eligible for subsidies of up to Rs 1.5 lakh for employment, she said.
Further, the meeting addressed the Women Welfare Fund and the Chief Minister Women and Child Multipurpose Assistance Fund Scheme. Arya said that this scheme will be funded by the revenue collected from the cess imposed by the Excise Department. It aims to provide quick financial assistance to disabled children and women during emergencies, including disasters, accidents, or if a child becomes orphaned. Under this scheme, assistance ranging from Rs 5,000 up to a specified amount will be guaranteed within a week of application.
Additionally, she informed the Nanda Gaura Yojana (NGY), which currently provides eligible girls with Rs 51,000 upon admission to graduate studies after completing their class XII. Soon, assistance will also be available upon completion of graduation or any skill-based course after class XII. Arya directed officials to incorporate new provisions into the scheme and prepare the final draft of the changes for review as soon as possible.
