Kolkata, Jan 31 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Monday accused the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government of undermining the importance of integrated child development scheme (ICDS) workers and said it was unacceptable.
Speaking at a rally organised by state ICDS workers in the city, Bhattacharjee said: ‘It is being said that the ICDS will be scrapped and the responsibility will be given to NGOs. We cannot accept that. We assure you that so long as age is on your side you will continue to be employed. No one can remove you.’
‘The ICDS is a central government project. We all know how important your contributions are towards the well being of mothers and children. The Congress cannot deny you what you rightfully deserve,’ he said.
He alleged that the Congress leaders had little regard for the interests of the ordinary people like ICDS workers.
‘How much money is required to provide you with adequate livelihood? Not much money is required to run effectively the mid-day meal scheme. But the Congress has no money for you. Their leaders are busy looting money through various scams,’ said Bhattacharjee.
