UPA readies more sops before EC’s code sets in

These health activists were recruited to counsel women on birth preparedness,escort/accompany pregnant women and children when needed,help with child feeding,immunisation,contraception and provide primary medical care for minor ailments among many other responsibilities. However,while the activists were understood to be complementing Anganwadi workers under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS),they were not entitled to a honorarium and were supposed to be compensated only for particular services rendered by them.

The government is also preparing to offer doles to over 55 lakh widows and 15 lakh disabled persons across the country. On Thursday,the Rural Development Minister wrote a letter to External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee,who is also officiating as the Prime Minister and Finance Minister,requesting him for speedy clearance of his proposal to provide a Rs 200 monthly pension to widows and disabled persons across the country. Singh is learnt to have reminded Mukherjee about the Prime Minister’s commitment on this issue over a year back and urged for speedy action given that the Finance Ministry had put a spanner in his plans. With Mukherjee handling Finance portfolio and also chairing Cabinet these days,Singh is expecting his proposal to get a favourable response.

According to estimates,the move is likely to cost about Rs 1,700 crore a year. But it will cost only about Rs 300 crore for the remaining part of this fiscal,not a substantial amount given its potential benefits before the polls.