‘Centre must review the ICDS programme,’ opined MP Basavaraj Bommai

Haveri (Karnataka) [India], July 27 (ANI): Former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday opined that the union government must review the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme as it is an old programme, and there is a need for administrative changes and an increase in the budget.

“Children are born, attend Anganwadi centres, and grow up in society. They receive school and college education. Anganwadi workers’ lives should flourish alongside the children. They deserve a life of dignity and self-reliance. I will work towards addressing your demands. The future of children, society, and the country lies in your goodness”, he said while addressing a gathering of Anganwadi workers.

The MP called the mother-child relationship “most sacred”. Adding to that he said, “The prenatal relationship exists only between a mother and her child. After that come the father, brothers, and relatives. The mother sends her young child to another mother. Anganwadi workers teach and nurture all children as their own.

Anganwadi workers are the ones shaping and determining the future of children in this country. Politicians, legislators, and parliamentarians do not write the country’s future. Mothers and Anganwadi workers do. The way they teach young children is how the children will grow.”

The former CM said, “During his tenure as Chief Minister, he made a revolutionary decision for your future during the COVID period. He increased the honorarium in accordance with their seniority. They are doing a very important job, and they should proudly say that they are the head of the Anganwadi. They are the ones who write the future of children, and those who write the future become like gods.” Bommai said.

“You deserve appropriate recognition and honour for your three decades of service. Know that you have a brother who is your voice. I will make sincere efforts to respond to your demands. Do your work honestly. I attended Anganwadi when I was young. Now the system has changed significantly. We have implemented a new education policy. When I was the Chief Minister, I implemented the Stree Samarthya scheme, which provides a loan of one lakh rupees from the state government and a four lakh rupees interest-free loan. Through this scheme, we brought 54 crore rupees to Haveri district. This should increase every year. Women have the capability, and it must be recognized”, he added.

The event was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Rudrappa Lamani, Chairman of the Haveri Urban Development Authority, SFN Gajigaudar, District President of the All India Trade Unions Federation Honnappa Maremmana, and several women.