PENSION FOR RETIRED ANGANWADI WORKERS?
THE Anganwadi workers and helpers who retired in 2009 have got meagre retirement benefits. Their service finished with zero pension. The deprived workers have been demanding a scheme from the government of Rs5,000 per month for their livelihood, as their family financial situations are worse than ever before.
The government may survey the standard of living of those workers from 2009 to 2024 prior implementing new revised scheme and new salary scales. The Goa government already has a Retirement Benefit Scheme for Anganwadi Workers (AWW) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWH) in 2024. The scheme provides a lump sum financial assistance to AWW and AWH upon retirement. However, every retired worker should get at least a minimum pension of Rs5,000 pm, they urge Chief Minister of Goa Dr Pramod Sawant.
According to the government the amount paid depends on the years of service and is capped at a certain amount. If an AWW or AWH dies unexpectedly, the retirement benefit is paid to their nominee. The retirement age for AWW and AWH was increased from 60 to 62 years, effective from May 1, 2024.
These amendments are fine but the workers have done and are doing lots of other extra services and they have been insisting a monthly pension of Rs5,000 which they are entitled to. The country is paying 7th Pay Commission scale to government servants. Then, who are anganwadi workers? Are they private laborers? The government of India also has schemes for anganwadi workers, depending on their efficiency or services. This is competitive scheme.
So the Goa government should think about anganwadi workers and launch a pension scheme as part of reward or compensation from 2009 onwards. A retired anganwadi worker, Ranjana Mandrekar, reiterated that she started service for the salary of Rs150 pm. And agitated for salary increment for Bardez workers so many times and got retired in 2009 with no pension and a meagre amount.
–Rajesh Banaulikar, Veigaswado, Arpora, Bardez Goa
DIWALI, HOME AWAY FROM HOME!
DIWALI 2024 in London will be a memorable day to reminisce. Spent the festive day in Southall which is de facto the Indian heartland in London.
Whilst strolling along the streets and not an Englishman in sight. Where have they all gone? I wondered. At Southall one feels one is walking around at Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, Lucknow’s Hazratganj or Linking road at Bandra in Bombay.
On the joyful day it was very heartening to visit Shree Ram Mandir, Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara and St John’s Church. A temple, a gurdwara and a church all located within a radius of just 20 metres.
The icing on the cake was coming across the Royal Sweets shop, which incidentally was my very favourite haunt at Crawford Market and Bandra. In fact, last year while on a visit to Bombay, I was told that Royal Sweets had wound up its operations and moved to London. What a sweet coincidence to be able to savour on Diwali day the delicacy of Royal Halwa after decades and that too all the way in England.
Besides being Diwali, October 31 this year was also Halloween which originated as an ancient Celtic festival and is fervently observed in the United Kingdom. The decorations in stores, houses and costumes are that of mythical monsters and pumpkins carved to make lanterns, which is a common sight and children trick or treat in the evening. So it was a mixed bag of celebration and an extraordinary day to remember.
–Aires Rodrigues, London
HAZARDOUS ODXEL ROAD
THE Taleigao to Odxel road is in such a hazardous condition but nobody seems to care! I am writing to bring to light a significant safety hazard on Taleigao to Odxel road (close to the University road junction), which has been neglected by the Public Works Department (PWD). Recently I documented a video showing a sharp object protruding from the road – a broken cement pipe with dangerously sharp edges. This poses a serious risk, as it can cut clothing or puncture vehicle tires, potentially leading to accidents.
Despite the recent hot mix treatment of this road, this hazardous section remains unaddressed and ignored. As a social worker dedicated to community safety, I urge the PWD to take immediate action to rectify this issue and ensure the safety of all road users.
It is imperative that the PWD fulfils its responsibility to maintain safe road conditions. Please prioritize this matter and conduct a thorough inspection and necessary repairs without further delay.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue in advance!
–Cecille Rodrigues, social worker, founder of RostoGoa Campaign