The salaries of more than 125 child workers and helpers working in different crèches under the Indian Child Welfare Council have been reduced. The Bharatiya Child Welfare Council Employees Union has strongly criticised the Social Welfare Department for equating crèche women workers with Anganwadi workers and helpers.
Union President Rekha Sharma, Vice President Sunita Sharma, Rekha Gora, Lakhwinder Kaur, Vandana Sekhawat, and General Secretary Bihari Lal have criticized the Social Welfare Department for reducing the salaries despite the Indian Child Welfare Council having property worth crores and money in fixed deposits and current accounts amounting to Rs 7½-8 crores.
The salary of the employees has been made equal to that of the Anganwadi workers without obtaining any consent from them. It has been revealed that the salary is being reduced by taking a loan from MCBC Corporation, claiming that the Council does not have sufficient funds. The union emphasizes that Anganwadi workers are given honorarium based on the hours they work, while crèche workers take care of children continuously for 10-11 hours daily.
They were previously receiving a pay scale and DC rate, which was lower. The reduction to Anganwadi levels was done without considering the employees’ opinions. Despite having crores of rupees in the council’s account, the decision to call it bankrupt raises questions and should be investigated.
Condemning the reduction in the salary of crèche workers, labeled as the Palana Scheme, and making it equal to that of Anganwadi, the union officials have decided to protest in front of Bal Bhawan Sector 23 on January 11 and 12, 2024. Following this, they plan to declare a direct struggle. The union appeals to all employees, union federations of different departments in Chandigarh, parents, and other democratic organizations to support them in their fight against this injustice.
