Mumbai, Apr 1 NCP (SP) MLA Jayant Patil has claimed that anganwadi workers in Maharashtra are facing severe financial hardship due to the Centre's failure to release its share of honorarium for the past three months.
The anganwadi workers play a crucial role in child development, women's health, and combating malnutrition, yet they are being forced to struggle for their rightful dues, the former state NCP (SP) chief said in a statement on Tuesday night.
According to Patil, anganwadi workers receive Rs 13,000 per month, while helpers are paid Rs 7,500, with the Centre contributing Rs 4,500 and Rs 3,500, respectively. However, this central share has not been disbursed for the last three months, impacting nearly 1.5 lakh workers across the state, he claimed.
"The burden of work and responsibilities is increasing, but the honorarium has stopped. This is unjust," the leader charged.
Criticising the government, Patil alleged that the "main engine" of the so-called double-engine government at the Centre has failed, calling the situation a clear example of administrative inefficiency.
Funds for several centrally sponsored schemes, including Jal Jeevan Mission and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, have not been released to the state, leading to stalled development works, he further claimed.