Latest news with #AWWs
Pink Villa
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Mikaela Hoover Joins One Piece Season 2 as Tony Tony Chopper, Check Out Fan-Favorite Character's First Look
It's time for the fans to get their "AWWs" ready because Netflix just released Tony Tony Chopper's first look for the season 2 of the One Piece live-action show. And we guarantee that the character gets cuter with every single frame passing by. Mikaela Hoover has lent her voice to this adorable character. The actress is known for starring in projects like Superman, Beef, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. The actress has flawlessly done facial capture for the character, who is a reindeer-human hybrid doctor. Who else will be featured in One Piece S2? Season 2 of One Piece will also feature Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Mackenyu as Zoro, Jacob Romero as Usopp, Emily Rudd as Nami, Taz Skylar as Sanji, Jeff Ward as Buggy, Michael Dorman as Gold Roger, and Ilia Isorelys Paulino as Alvida. Additionally, the venture will also reportedly star Joe Manganiello, Charithra Chandran, Katey Sagal, Lera Abova, Sophia Anne Caruso, Mark Harelik, Yonda Thomas, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Callum Kerr, Brendan Sean Murray, and many others. More about One Piece According to Variety, the show is based on Eiichiro Oda's manga and subsequent anime show, One Piece. As far as the storyline goes, the live-action venture revolves around Luffy and his team, who are determined to discover the legendary treasure, One Piece, and become the King of the Pirates. The Tony Tony Chopper's casting news was reportedly announced during Netflix's live Tudum event held on Saturday. Godoy, Rudd, Mackenyu, and Skylar rolled the news. Additionally, it was also revealed that the show's season 2 will see the light of day in 2026. For the unknown, the beloved venture is created in collaboration with the One Piece animated show studio, Shueisha, and produced by Tomorrow Studios, which is an ITV Studios partner and Netflix, according to the outlet.
The Hindu
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Scheme-based workers, the struggle for an identity
The central government employs millions of regular and contract workers who are recognised as government employees and are in the pay spectrum of the government. The government also employs several types of workers such as Anganwadi workers or AWWs (13,51,104 workers) and Anganwadi helpers or AWHs (9,22,522), Accredited Social Health Activists or ASHAs (10,52,322 workers), and Mid-Day-Meals workers or MDMWs (25,16,688) under The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme since 1975, the National Rural Health Mission (NHRM) and the mid-day meals day scheme. Put together, around 60 million workers work in government schemes. These schemes are those which carry out social and economic functions by taking care of children and lactating mothers and nutrition aspects. They are also a bridge between the community and the public health system, improving school enrolment and the nutritional health system. The reality of their existence Though there has been much recognition of their work (by the Prime Minister and even the World Health Organization), these workers face hardship — they have been denied basic labour market rights such as workers' status, minimum wages and social security. Three basic issues among others have affected scheme-based workers (SBW) — an identity as 'workers' just like any government employee, minimum wages and social security. They have adopted three strategies to highlight their plight — strikes, legal action and social dialogue. Major central trade unions (AITUC, BMS, CITU) have organised the SBWs extensively. Since there are no prescribed wage negotiation timelines, trade unions have gone on frequent strikes over the issue of wage revision at random. State governments are more generous depending more on the strength of unions, their proximity with the party in power, and political factors such as elections. In March 2025, Anganwadis in Kerala called off their 13-day indefinite strike. The frequent and large-sized struggles of and by SBWs is a feat of labour mobilisation in modern times as State governments have not always been kind to striking workers. In fact, the Maharashtra government imposed the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act in 2017 to curb the right of Anganwadis in the State to go on strike. In a sense, the government has recognised the 'essential' nature of work done by Anganwadis. The judiciary's approach At the same time, Anganwadis have been knocking on the doors of the judiciary, with some success after initial setbacks. In State Of Karnataka & Ors vs Ameerbi & Ors (2006), the Supreme Court held that as Anganwadis do not carry out any function of the state, and do not hold a post under a statute, it did not consider them as workers. This was a judgment that was a blow against the struggles of these workers. But there was judicial relief. The Court, in 2022, granted that Anganwadis are eligible for gratuity as they are covered under workers/employees under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 (Maniben Maganbhai Bhariya vs District Development Officer, 2022). In 2024, the Gujarat High Court (Adarsh Gujarat Anganwadi Union & Ors. vs State of Gujarat) observed that Anganwadis perform onerous duties and responsibilities apart from performing important services under the Right to Education Act (RTE) and the National Food Security Act (NSF). It directed the central and State governments to jointly frame a policy under which the AWWs and AWHs could be regularised as Class III and Class IV grade State employees. Until then, they would be paid minimum wages (Class III and Class IV, respectively). The central trade unions have been raising the issues concerning the SBWs at the tripartite forum, the Indian Labour Conference (ILC), which is a social dialogue forum created during colonial rule. It is notable that in the 45th ILC, its tripartite Conference Committee made unanimous recommendations to the central government to treat the SBWs as 'workers' and not as volunteers or honorary workers, and pay them minimum wages, pension, health insurance and provident fund, among others. The usual stand The government is concerned with the huge cost implications as the employment of SBWs as government employees is set to grow as the population grows. On the other hand, the Labour Minister, in 2016, said in the Rajya Sabha, that the recommendations require long-time policy formulation and that there can be no fixed time-line for their implementation. Policy delay and avoidance at best — and outright denial policy at worst — has been the clever policy of the central government, irrespective of the party in power. The government has been dodging these important issues. On the other hand, there are attempts to privatise the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS). SBW organisations have been waging relentless struggles at all levels to oppose the privatisation of the ICDS and strengthen the labour rights of SBWs. Their struggle, which involves multiple issues, will go on. It is not 'applause' that they seek but 'worker' status. It is an existential struggle. It is interesting to note that in both the traditional and modern (gig) sectors, workers are battling for their labour market 'identities' as 'workers' and earn 'wages and not 'honorarium'. It is not charity that they seek but a legitimate demand for 'workers' status by dint of hard work over long hours. K.R. Shyam Sundar is Professor of Practice, Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon
New Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Odisha Cabinet nod to more perks under merged MAMATA-PMMVY
BHUBANESWAR: The state cabinet on Wednesday approved the proposal to merge MAMATA scheme with the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and rechristen it as MAMATA-PMMVY. Under MAMATA, monetary support is provided to pregnant and lactating mothers. The cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi okayed renaming of the new scheme. Announcing the decision, the chief minister said that the scheme will be implemented retrospectively from April 1, 2025. Expenditure for the new scheme will be about Rs 2,670 crore in the next five years. Earlier, the chief minister said, beneficiaries covered under MAMATA scheme used to get Rs 10,000 for the birth of a girl child. Now, such beneficiaries will get Rs 12,000 under the new scheme. The assistance for a male child, though, will remain unchanged at Rs 10,000 under MAMATA-PMMVY. However, women from PVTG communities will continue to receive incentive of Rs 12,000 towards birth of a girl child and Rs 10,000 for a boy even after the first two offsprings. The cabinet also approved the proposal to increase incentive for anganwadi workers (AWWs) and anganwadi helpers (AWHs) for implementing the scheme. The AWWs and AWHs who were earlier getting Rs 200 and Rs 100 respectively as incentive will now receive Rs 250 and Rs 150 under MAMATA-PMMVY, Majhi added. The chief minister said eligibility criteria of the Centre's PMMVY scheme will also be applicable to the MAMATA-PMMVY scheme. During its meeting, the cabinet also approved a tender of Rs 97.67 crore for construction of Khairibandhan barrage project including influx bund at Anlabeni in Jashipur block of Mayurbhanj district. The project when complete will provide assured kharif irrigation to 6950 hectare cultivable land in 47 villages of Jashipur, Raruan and Sukruli blocks of the district through underground pipeline system. The project will also provide drinking water facility to more than 35,000 people of Mayurbhanj. Besides, the cabinet also approved lease of 40.197 acre free of all charges for construction of south and north campuses of Dharanidhar University at Keonjhar. It also waived government dues of Rs 140.71 crore and recurring dues amounting to Rs 50.17 lakh on the university.
New Indian Express
30-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Beneficiary data, monitoring inadequate in ICDS in Tamil Nadu: CAG
CHENNAI: The Comptroller and Auditor General's audit on the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Tamil Nadu between 2020 and 2023, has flagged several concerns regarding the scheme's implementation, including a lack of beneficiary data, inadequate monitoring and misuse of funds. One of the key findings was that rationalisation of anganwadi centres (AWCs), mandated by the centre in 2014, was initiated only in 2021-22 and completed in 2023. However, the state's ICDS Directorate had no data on uncovered areas or mini AWCs needing upgrades. However, the state said the rationalisation exercise was complete and uncovered areas were identified, the report said. The audit also revealed that the state failed to conduct annual beneficiary surveys leading to discrepancies in data as the total number of beneficiaries differed in each set of data like TN ICDS, Poshan tracker and monthly progress reports. The audit also noted that Rs 10 crore (2020-21) for AWC construction and Rs 7.75 crore (2021-22) for maintenance from the centre were pending as of March 2024. The state government said the funds hadn't been released despite repeated requests. This apart, the state failed to use Rs 3 crore given for Poshan Abhiyaan Award (2018-19) to be utilised for gap filling and innovation. A significant shortfall in coverage of children aged three to six was seen, with only 8.18 lakh of the 18.49 lakh children in this age group covered in 2022-23. The government attributed this to migration to private institutions but failed to address AWCs' lack of adequate human resources and infrastructure to prevent such migration, the report said. The audit also pointed out that only 73% of AWCs were FSSAI-registered. Non-provision of funds for the renewal of FSSAI licence and non-reimbursement of full cost of cooking gas to Anganwadi workers (AWWs) resulted in shifting the government's responsibility on AWWs as well as burdening them financially. There are also vacancies in the AWW positions (18.8%). Other issues included inflated procurement costs for LED TVs resulting in excess expenditure of Rs 33 lakh in surveyed AWCs and procurement of carrom boards worth Rs 3.81 crore in violation of centre's guidelines as part of pre-school education kits which remained unused. The state lacked a dedicated toll-free number for ICDS, and the centralised Poshan Abhiyaan number (14408) offered only Hindi and English options, defeating the objective of an inclusive grievance redressal platform for ICDS beneficiaries, it said.
Express Tribune
11-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Unpaid backbone of Kashmir: The silent struggles of Anganwadi workers
Anganwadi workers in Kashmir face meager pay, overwork, and lack of recognition despite essential role in healthcare. Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir: Underpaid, overworked, and unrecognized, thousands of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) across Kashmir silently hold up the foundation of rural healthcare, child nutrition, and maternal welfare. Despite their indispensable role, these women earn a meager ₹5,100 per month, a sum that barely covers their survival, let alone their families' needs. "Stronger Anganwadi workers mean a stronger Kashmir. But the truth is, the work they do is far more than what they are paid for," says Mehmooda, Senior Anganwadi Worker. For decades, Anganwadi Workers have fought for fair wages, job security, and dignity, yet their demands continue to fall on deaf ears. Their struggles extend beyond financial hardship; they battle delayed salaries, excessive workloads, and lack of basic benefits like pensions and promotions. Many retire without any financial security, left to fend for themselves after dedicating their lives to public service. Established in 1975 under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program, Anganwadi centers provide nutrition support, preschool education, maternal care, and immunization. These women track malnourished children, assist pregnant mothers, and even conduct government surveys yet they are treated as volunteers, not employees. "If we went on strike for just a week, the entire rural health system would collapse," continues Mehmooda, an Anganwadi worker with 20 years of service, "from surveys to health care, we do everything, like maintaining 13+ registers on health and nutrition data, what do we get in return? ₹5,100 a month sometimes delayed for months. We are overworked, underpaid, and disrespected. The government must recognize our contributions and ensure fair wages." For helpers like Misra Begum, the situation is even worse. After 15 years of service, her salary stands at a shocking ₹2,500 per month: 'How can I feed my family? Every day is a struggle, and the government refuses to acknowledge us.' "In today's expensive era, surviving on low pay is nearly impossible," she adds. "Prices of essential goods have skyrocketed a 5kg box of oil now costs ₹1,000 so how can we possibly manage with such a meager income? Our families' needs are not being met at all, and we are left to suffer." More Work, Less Pay, And No Recognition Anganwadi Workers are not just childcare providers; they are frontline warriors during health crises, organizing vaccination drives, maintaining medical records, and assisting in emergencies. Yet, instead of appreciation, they face constant scrutiny and criticism. Shahina, another Anganwadi worker, describes the injustice of their workload: the meager wages and overwhelming workload, calling it "a life of endless struggle with no recognition." "We work tirelessly, attending duty every day, tracked by geo-tagging and biometric verification, yet we earn only ₹5,100 a month an amount that doesn't even cover basic survival," she said. She highlighted the burdensome bureaucratic hurdles Anganwadi workers face, particularly in government schemes like PMMVY: "We fill out forms repeatedly, sometimes even paying out of our own pockets, yet instead of appreciation, we are met with criticism from both the government and the public," she said "Our workload justifies a salary of at least ₹30,000, yet we receive a fraction of that. Even ₹15,000 would show some recognition of our efforts. But the truth is, we are always overlooked, and no one seems to care how we survive." Anganwadi union leader Shameema highlights systemic neglect, citing outdated seniority lists and lack of promotions. In some regions, records from 1998 remain unchanged, denying workers any career progression. She also raises the lack of pensions as a major concern: "When an Anganwadi worker retires, she is sent home empty-handed. No pension, no benefits. It's a grave injustice.' Reyaz Ahmad Wani, CDPO Child Development Project Officer, Rafiabad Baramulla, acknowledged the financial struggles of Anganwadi workers but admitted that "their honorarium is fixed, and our voice holds little weight in changing it." While refraining from commenting on their hardships, he stated, "In my personal opinion, the government should provide at least ₹300 per day as compensation." However, he noted that salary delays are common and that "workers must rely on their unions to raise these concerns, as we have no authority to push for change." Social policy expert Dr. Javaid Rashid calls it a national failure Dr Javaid Rashid emphasized the urgent need to address the plight of Anganwadi workers in Kashmir, calling it a "pressing concern that demands immediate government attention." "These workers are the backbone of our school nutrition and healthcare system, yet they remain underpaid and overworked. This neglect not only pushes them into poverty but also compromises essential services for children and mothers," he said. He stressed the need for "fair wages, standardized employment policies, and structured training programs to ensure their permanent induction into the system." Without substantial government investment, he warned, "we risk not only failing these workers but also jeopardizing the health and future of an entire generation. Children make up nearly 40% of our population investing in their well-being should be a national priority." For many workers, survival is a daily battle. Fareeda, a single mother, breaks down as she explains her meager salary while ensuring her child gets an education. 'Some days, it feels like even breathing depends on this pay,' she says. 'When our salaries are delayed for months, only Allah knows how I manage to feed my child. There were times I couldn't afford his school fees, and his education suffered because of it. We are pleading with the government recognize our struggle and give us wages that reflect the work we do. We deserve better, and our children deserve a future free from this constant hardship.' Their demand is simple fair wages, job security, and dignity. The women who feed the nation's children should not have to starve themselves. If Kashmir's Anganwadi workers remain ignored, the very foundation of rural healthcare will collapse.
