VOICING THEIR DEMANDS: Anganwadi staff and representatives from non-governmental organisations participate in a rally organised by TN-Forces on Tuesday. - Photo: R. Ragu

CHENNAI: They play a vital role in nurturing a child, from infancy to pre-school years. But, to their chagrin, several Anganwadi staff find that their own case reflects the `crying child gets the milk' adage.

Tuesday was commemorated as `Anganwadi Day' to create awareness about the service of Anganwadi centres and the fundamental rights of children up to six years of age.

Anganwadi teachers and representatives of various non-governmental organisations took out a rally near the Labour statue at Marina to highlight the need to enhance the quality of infrastructure at the centres and children's rights.

The rally was part of the various awareness programmes organised by the TN-Forces (Tamil Nadu Forum for Creche and Childcare Services) at the State level.

The staff complained that the anganwadis functioning under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) were most often confused with Balvadis maintained by social welfare organisations.

"We take care of children from their infancy, provide nutrition to pregnant women and young girls. But our work has not gained the due recognition from the government," said an anganwadi teacher.

Another teacher from north Chennai said, "We start our day at 7.30 a.m. and are involved in various projects such as survey of children in an area and nutrition education to mothers.

"Though several staff have been working for about two decades, we have not been given adequate salary or promotion."

The Anganwadi teachers said awareness had to be created for community participation to provide better infrastructure such as well-ventilated classrooms.

They also pointed out that several posts in the centres across the state remained vacant.

R. Prema, a retired staff, said the Anganwadi workers needed to be provided with pension.

Baby Daniel, general secretary of ICDS Union, said there were about 1,700 centres in the city.

But, the service of the Anganwadis in child welfare lacked encouragement from both the government and the community.

SC directive

TN-Forces convenor K. Shanmugavelayutham said such rallies were organised in six cities across the State to stress on the Supreme Court directive to universalise ICDS.

He has made a representation to the Chief Minister regarding the issue of the Social Welfare ministry reportedly discouraging the staff from commemorating Anganwadi Day as it was not celebrated by the government.

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