Minister optimistic on fund for Scheme

Hyderabad, Jan 10 (UNI) Even as Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury was today optimistic on getting Rs 10,000 crore during the 11th plan period for strengthening the Centrally-sponsored Integrated Child Development Scheme, CPI Deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gurudas Dasgupta expressed pessimism.

Attending the fourth National Conference of the All India Anganwadi Workers Federation, the CPI-affiliated All India Trade Union Congress General Secretary Mr Dasgupta said, ''you (Ms Renuka) are very optimistic. Please note that it is very very tough to get funds sanctioned by this Finance Minister''.

Urging Ms Chowdhury to take up the anganwadi workers case for regularisation of their services within the Union Cabinet as also with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Mr Dasgupta asserted that his party would take up the issue in Parliament.

He wanted the anganwadi workers to prepare themselves for a protracted struggle to get their legitimate demands, including decent wages and social security benefits.

Earlier, the Minister beat drums, symbolically to express support to the anganwadi workers who had gathered from all over the country to articulate their demands.

UNI