State spends Rs 350 crore to make up for Centre's apathy, ensure benefits to people

Kolkata: Despite the Centre's "apathy in properly running" the ICDS centres, the Mamata Banerjee government is spending around Rs 350 crore in addition for better functioning of the same so that common people continue getting benefits.

It may be mentioned that the Centre has reduced its share of funds for the project and the situation is such that many would lose their work if the state government doesn't step in and support the same.

So, in a bid to ensure that common people do not get deprived of the benefits of the project, the state government has taken all necessary steps. The state government has taken up the responsibility of properly running the ICDS centres, considering that in no situation should the people of the state suffer.

In each of the districts there are seven officials, including a district project officer. Now, the Centre has stated that there will be only one district project official and a statistical assistant. Even for these two officials, the Centre has decided to reduce its share of funds to only 25 percent and the rest has to be given by the state government.

So, besides giving 75 percent of the remuneration of the two officials, the state government has decided to bear the expense for the remaining five officials as well.

In the block level as well, the Centre has decided to give its share of funds for only one official, where four are deployed at present. At the same time, the funds for construction of ICDS centres and project level office rents have also been stopped.

According to a statistical data prepared by the Women and Child Development and Social Welfare department, the state government needs to bear an additional expense of Rs 100 crore. Another Rs 250 crore will be spent as the state government has decided to increase the remuneration of ICDS workers and helpers.

It may be mentioned that last year, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had announced an increase of their remuneration by Rs 500. This year, it has been increased again by Rs 1,000. The

remuneration of workers has increased to Rs 4,500, while that of a helper is Rs 2,500.

In connection with homes for destitute children, Dr Shashi Panja, minister of state for the Women and Child Development and Social Welfare department, said: "The Centre has also reduced its share of funds to run the homes. Earlier, the Centre's share for open shelter homes for children below 18 years was 90 percent, while NGOs used to bear the remaining 10 percent. Now, the Centre has agreed to give 60 percent and the state has to give 30 percent to run the homes."