Tura: Anganwadi workers, under the banner of the All Garo Hills Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Association, have written to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, seeking his urgent intervention in addressing what they described as critical issues affecting their welfare and working conditions.
The workers referenced a memorandum sent earlier on June 2, 2023, which highlighted concerns regarding the promotion of senior graduate Anganwadi workers, the appointment of contractual lady supervisors, and the demand for granting first preference to in-service senior graduate workers in promotions.
“These issues have caused significant unrest among the workers, and we seek your intervention to address them in a timely and effective manner,” said association president Monika D. Sangma.
The first issue raised by the association pertained to the delay in implementing guidelines for promoting senior graduate Anganwadi workers. According to the workers, this delay has caused considerable distress among those who have dedicated years of service to the program.
“The memo was issued with the aim of enhancing career prospects and recognizing the invaluable contributions of senior graduate Anganwadi workers. These workers, with their educational qualifications and years of service, have shown exceptional commitment to their roles. However, despite the clear instructions outlined in the memo, there has been little progress in ensuring the promotion of eligible workers within the stipulated time frame,” the workers stated in their complaint.
The association also expressed concerns over the appointment process for contractual lady supervisors, citing a lack of transparency.
“The absence of clear criteria for these appointments has created a sense of injustice among the existing Anganwadi workers. Many believe their years of service and experience in the field should be prioritized when selecting candidates for supervisory roles. Instead, the current process of appointing contractual supervisors, without a transparent selection mechanism, has led to feelings of neglect and inequity within the workforce. Additionally, the lack of job security has exacerbated these concerns,” they added.
The workers reiterated their demand for first preference for in-service senior graduate Anganwadi workers in promotions and appointments.
“The demand for first preference is based on the belief that these workers are best equipped to understand the nuances of the Anganwadi system and the needs of the community,” Monika stated.
The association further highlighted the need to compare the situation of Anganwadi workers in Meghalaya with those in other states, emphasizing that such a comparison would reveal significant challenges faced by workers in Meghalaya, particularly in terms of career progression, recognition, and job security.
The workers have urged the Chief Minister to look into their grievances and resolve the issues at the earliest to ensure justice and better working conditions for Anganwadi workers across the state.
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