BJP MP Advocates for Equal Pay and Maternity Leave for Anganwadi Workers
Call for Equal Compensation and Maternity Benefits
On Monday, a Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised a demand for uniform compensation for Anganwadi workers and helpers across the nation, along with a request for 26 weeks of maternity leave. During the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, Jagdambika Pal highlighted that there are approximately 1.29 million Anganwadi workers and helpers in the country.
Pal emphasized the need for equal pay, stating, "Despite their significant contributions, they receive varying amounts as compensation across different states, ranging from six thousand to ten thousand rupees."
Government Urged to Regularize Anganwadi Workers
The BJP MP urged the government to consider regularizing these workers, as they play a crucial role in implementing national programs on the ground. He also pointed out that Anganwadi workers and helpers are currently not benefiting from the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act of 2017, calling for the provision of 26 weeks of maternity leave under this law.
Concerns Over Community Recognition in Uttar Pradesh
Narayan Das Ahirwar from the Samajwadi Party (SP) accused the government of excluding the Basaur-Barar community in his constituency of Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh, from welfare schemes due to their population being declared as zero. He claimed, "A letter dated July 6, 2024, from the project director to the state government stated that the population of this community in the district is zero."
When contacted, the project director mentioned that nine development block officials had confirmed in writing that there are no members of the Basaur-Barar community residing in their areas. Ahirwar asserted that this claim is not only false but also reflects a deep disregard and insensitivity towards a specific community.
Issues Raised Regarding LPG Cylinder Shortage
Babu Singh Kushwaha from the SP raised concerns about the shortage of cooking gas cylinders in the country, noting that the price of domestic LPG cylinders has increased recently, marking the second hike in the past 11 months. He stated that this rise is impacting the kitchens of ordinary citizens.
Land Acquisition Concerns for Farmers
Kirsan Namdev from Congress highlighted the issue of land acquisition in Gadchiroli, Chhattisgarh, where fertile land belonging to farmers is being taken for private industries. He warned that if farmers lose their productive land, they will have nothing left for cultivation and demanded fair compensation in such cases.
Housing Issues for Slum Dwellers in Mumbai
Varsha Eknath Gaikwad from Congress pointed out that thousands of families reside in slums along railway lines in Mumbai. She mentioned that residents of 3,150 shanties have received eviction notices, with plans for demolition underway. Gaikwad argued that there is no policy regarding shanties built on government land, and many people live on land owned by the defense department and railways, calling for their rehabilitation.
Demand for Increased Cotton MSP
Anup Sanjay Dhotre from the BJP requested an increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for cotton to 8,110 rupees. He also urged the government to raise the import duty on cotton from the current five percent to ten percent to provide relief to cotton producers.
Call for Inclusion of Kumhar Community in SC List
Kaushalendra Kumar from the Janata Dal (United) urged the central government to consider including the Kumhar community in the Scheduled Castes (SC) list in Bihar and to consult with the state government on this matter. He also called for the establishment of a Clay Art Board in Bihar, similar to other states.