People aged over 60 years working in Dhakuakhana ICDS; AASU demands probe

LAKHIMPUR: At a time when a major section of educated unemployed youths are in search of jobs, several employees are working in the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) under the Dhakuakhana Social Welfare Department office despite having crossed 60 years of age. This has been possible due to alleged favouritism patronized by a section of high-level officers of the department concerned.

As per report, a total of 31 Anganwadi workers and 19 Anganwadi assistants under Dhakuakhana ICDS have already crossed 60 years of age as per their age certificates submitted during the time of joining in their jobs. The Anganwadi workers of 31 Anganwadi centres like Bagicha Bantow, Kathorbari, Saorek Borpatra, Kasugaon, Na-Kapouhuwa, Juiyepura, Tulasijan, Amlakhi Dangdhora, Prithial, Borkhamon, Sekani Dangdhora, No. 1 Bahpora, Garhpora, Batomari, No. 1 Baghedhapolial, Kukurajuja, Orkep Bali, Gandhia, Indur, Borpak, No. 1 Pothalial, Gharmora, Tapit, Jorkota Nepali, No. 1 Thekeraguri, Kolakota Chetia, Latiborchuk, Amolguri, Chranchuk, Dimaruguri and Na-Madhupur are still working even though they have completed 60 years of age.

Similarly, the Anganwadi assistants of 19 Anganwadi centers located at Kamar Jiamoria, No. 1 Bahpora, No 2 Bahpora, Borpak, Gandhia Tiniali, Garhpora, Gharmora, Rojabari, Chichi Grazing, Amlakhi Dangdhora, No. 1 Pothalial, Dimaruguri Dangdhora, Abhaypur, Kekuri Pomuwa, Aken Dighali, Bhitar Bogori, Bengenagora, Medhisuti and Jorkata Chamua have also completed 60 years of age but are still working in the Dhakuakhana ICDS.

These employees have to render relentless service by visiting village after village and by assisting the medical staff like doctors, nurses and other frontline fighters to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, despite their old age. They are doing so at a time when the movement of aged persons has been restricted by the State Government as elderly people are vulnerable to the deadly coronavirus.

Regarding the issue, the Dhakuakhana regional unit of All Assam Students' Union (AASU) has demanded the Deputy Commissioner of Lakhimpur and Dhakuakhana subdivisional administration to declare an inquiry, to take steps to secure the health of these aged employees and to resolve the anomalies in Dhakuakhana ICDS.

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