The State Government was spending an amount of Rs 586.82 crore on overall development and welfare of women and child in the State. This was stated by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while interacting with the Anganwari Workers from different parts of the State through video conference from Shimla today. Chief Minister said that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to think differently and work accordingly. He said that the Anganwari workers were grass root functionaries who have played a crucial role in these testing times. He said that Anganwari workers have ensured that the coronavirus does not spread at community level. He said that they not only sensitized the people about social distancing and use of masks, but also helped in effective implementation of home quarantine norms. He said that the Anganwari workers played a commendable role in making ‘Nigah’ programme of the State Government a success in ensuring that the persons under home quarantine do not jump quarantine.Jai Ram Thakur said that the Active Case Finding Campaign launched by the State Government was even appreciated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that the Prime Minister even advised Chief Ministers of other States to take up this campaign in their respective States. He said that total population of about 70 lakh was covered under this mega campaign. He said that it was due to this campaign that the State was able to collect a sound database of the people with ILI symptoms. He said that Anganwari workers played a major role in this campaign. He said that as many as 4021 Anganwari workers were involved in the Active Case Finding Campaign and 4083 were involved in Cluster Containment Survey in the State. He said that they have prepared and distributed about 5.68 lakh masks to the people. He said that the Anganwari workers have also motivated the people to download Aarogya Setu App on their mobiles.
Chief Minister said that the Government has launched several schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojna, Mukhya Mantri Kanya Daan Yojna, Mother Teresa Asahay Matri Sambal Yojna, Beti Hai Anmol Yojna and Beti Padhao Beti Bachao etc. for ensuring women welfare and empowerment. He said that the State Government has provided smart phones to the Anganwari workers for their effective functioning. He particularly appreciated the Anganwari workers of Hamirpur district for preparing creative masks and face shields.Jai Ram Thakur said that keeping in view the commendable services rendered by the Anganwari workers, the State Government has increased the honorarium of Anganwari Workers by Rs. 500 per month and that of Mini Anganwari Workers and Anganwari Helpers by Rs. 300 per month. He said that now the Anganwari Workers were getting Rs. 6800 per month instead of Rs. 6300 whereas Mini Anganwari workers were getting Rs. 4900 in place of Rs. 4600 and Anganwari Helpers were receiving Rs. 3500 per month instead of Rs. 3200.Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. Rajiv Saizal thanked the Chief Minister for sparing his valuable time for interacting with the Anganwari workers. He said that the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister has effectively controlled the coronavirus in the State.Additional Chief Secretary Social Justice and Empowerment Nisha Singh welcomed the Chief Minister and detailed various schemes being executed by the department.Anganwari workers Sonia from Kangra district, Sonu from Mandi district, Lata Verma from Shimla district, Suman Lata from Kinnaur district, Shakuntla Devi from Lahaul Spiti district, Rajni from Kullu district, Babli from Sirmaur district, Surekha from Solan district, Deepa from Bilaspur district, Kusum Lata from Hamirpur district, Rita Kumari from Una district also shared their views with the Chief Minister.Advisor to the Chief Minister Dr. R.N. Batta and Director Social Justice and Empowerment Kritika were also present on the occasion.