Minister for Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, today said that 1190 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) are functional in Srinagar district with 152 AWCs functioning in Central Shalteng Constituency.

The Minister informed this in reply to a question raised by Legislator Tariq Hameed Karra regarding Social Welfare schemes in the Legislative Assembly.

She said that at present there is no proposal under consideration of the government regarding opening/establishment of new Anganwadi Centres in Central Shalteng Constituency as the existing centres are catering to the needs of the target beneficiaries of the said Constituency.

The Minister further said that the that any proposal regarding opening of new AWCs that fulfil the criteria would be examined for submission to the Government of India.

She also informed that the monthly honorarium to Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) is in consonance with the honorarium provided to AWWs and AWHs at the National level on the pattern of 90:10. She added that the Government of J&K is already giving additional state share to AWWs and AWHs and the matter would be taken up with Central Government to examine enhancement of honorarium subject to availability of resources.

Giving details about the beneficiaries covered under social welfare schemes in Central Shalteng constituency, the Social Welfare Minister informed that 6756 beneficiaries are covered under Old Age Pension, Widow Pension and various other Centrally and UT sponsored welfare schemes in the constituency.

She apprised that the old age pension under the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS) and National Social Assistance Programme has recently been enhanced along with other components and the persons aged below 60 years are paid Rs.1250/- per month, between 60–79 years Rs 1500/- per month and 80 years and above @ Rs 2000/- per month.

Legislators, Balwant Singh Mankotia and Qaysir Jamsheed Lone raised supplementary questions.