Letters to the Editor: Superannuated AWWs

Superannuated AWWs

Through your esteemed daily I would like to draw the attention of the Chief Minister of Assam towards the supera-nnuated Anganwadi workers (AWWs) under the Social Welfare Department, Assam. The superannuated AWWs, who served with a small remuneration for the wellness of the mothers and the children in AWCs, have not been receiving the retirement benefit declared by the state government for them a few months back .The announcement of the retirement benefit inspired the AWWs. They got a little ray of hope. Unfortunately, a few months have passed but no step has come to aid the superannuated AWWs till date. I want to request the Chief Minister of Assam to arrange for immediate release of the retirement benefit for the superannuated AWWs.

Pranjal Kr Sharma,

Morigaon.

Save soil campaign

The 'save soil movement' spearheaded by Sadhguru, the founder of Isha Foundation, which he had started 24 years ago, reached the state and the NE Region on July 1 as a part of the current programme scheduled from 21st March onwards. Prime Minister Modi had also launched a soil health policy immediately after forming new Government under his leadership eight years ago. The policy aimed at soil testing of agricultural soil and issuance of soil health card to the farmers to save soil from chemical contamination and maintain organic content to fertilize soil, like Sadhguru's 'save soil' awareness drive for increasing 3-6 per cent organic content in agricultural soil. In his address, Modi ji urged the students to raise their concern for soil in a letter to be addressed to him and other leaders. On the occasion, he renewed the Centre's plan on improving soil health by making soil chemical-free, saving soil creatures which constitute organic matter, stopping continuous erosions, stopping deforestation, enlarging forest cover and preserving water content in farm soil. The state/UT Governments, however, have to play a pivotal role to take advantage of the Central initiative by expanding testing facility in its laboratories and utilizing state's extension officers in extensive training of farmers. There is also a great deal at stake, not the least protection of arable land from natural calamities like flood and erosion.

Pannalal Dey,

Guwahati.