India

Can we imagine how little less than one percent of our total budget spent on women and children's health and other issues would mean in our own country of plenty?

The Hindu
Karat Dismayed Over Govt.'s Neglecting Women and Child Care
Bangalore, Nov. 9

Expressing dismay over the governments neglecting women and child care, General Secretary Prakash Karat, today demanded that top priority be given to programmes targeted towards women and child welfare.

"It is unfortunate that in a developed country like India, women and child care is one of the most negelcted areas.The governments should demonstrate political will to accord priority to these areas," he said while participating as a chief guest at the 5th All India Conference of Federation of Anganwadi workers and Helpers here.

He regretted that the national expenditure on health care was only 0.9 per cent of the total budget, and demanded more allocation for health care especially of women and children.
Karat wanted the Centre and state government to consider the demands of Anganwadi workers who have been playing a vital role in implementing ICDS (Integrated Child Development Scheme).

Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh, who inaugurated the conference, promised Anganwadi workers that he would consider the demand for regularising their services, a measure that would cost Rs 7.5 crores annually to the exchequer.

Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, virtually supporting the demands of anganwadi workers, said he would prevail upon the coalition government to enhance their salaries.
Gowda said anganwadi workers wages should be enhanced to the level of primary and secondary school teachers.

Karnataka Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Bhagirathi Marulasiddanagouda, also spoke.