As per the notification dated July 12, 2024, from the District Child Protection Unit (Social Welfare Section), Government of West Bengal, applications are invited for various temporary and contractual positions at the Specialized Adoption Agency (SAA) at Matigara Children Home for Girls in Siliguri. This recruitment drive supports Mission Vatsalya, a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Government of India, aimed at enhancing child welfare and adoption services.
The notification details vacancies for Manager/Coordinator, Social Worker cum Early Childhood Educator, Nurse, Doctor, Ayah, and Chowkidar. The salary structure is varied, with the Manager/Coordinator role offering Rs 23,170 per month and the Social Worker cum Early Childhood Educator earning Rs 18,536 per month. However, the uniform monthly salary of Rs 12,000 for the Doctor, Nurse, Ayah, and Chowkidar positions has sparked significant controversy.
The specifications are as follows which reveal the role, qualifications, experience, and remuneration:
Manager/Coordinator: One position is available for a female candidate with a postgraduate degree in Psychology or Social Work and a diploma in computer operations from a recognized institute. This role offers a monthly salary of Rs 23,170.
Social Worker cum Early Childhood Educator: One position is available for a female candidate with a graduate degree in Psychology or Social Work with a monthly salary of Rs 18,536.
Nurse: One position is available for either male or female candidates. Candidates must have completed H.S or equivalent qualification along with a diploma in Nursing or General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM). The monthly salary for this position is Rs 12,000.
Doctor: One position is available for a female/male candidate with an MBBS degree. Candidates with a DNB or MD in Pediatrics are preferred. The position offers a consolidated pay of Rs 12,000 per month, which has been a point of contention.
Ayah: One position is available for a female candidate. The educational requirement is a pass in Madhyamik or equivalent examination. This role also offers Rs 12,000 per month.
Chowkidar: One position is available for a male candidate, with a minimum educational qualification of Class VIII. The salary for this role is Rs 12,000 per month.
The notification has sparked controversy due to the equal salary offered to positions requiring significantly different qualifications. For instance, both the Doctor position, which requires an MBBS degree (preferably with DNB or MD in Pediatrics), and roles requiring lower educational qualifications such as Class VIII for the Nurse and Madhyamik for the Ayah, are offered the same monthly salary of Rs 12,000. This disparity has raised concerns about the undervaluation of the Doctor’s expertise.
Government of West Bengal Issues Corrigendum for Doctor Position in Darjeeling District Recruitment
Office of the District Magistrate & District Collector, Darjeeling District, Government of West Bengal has issued a corrigendum concerning the recruitment notice for positions at the Matigara Children Home, clarifying that the Doctor position previously advertised is part-time.
"With respect to the recruitment notice published for the filling of G-SAA positions of Matigara Children Home of Darjeeling District vide 591/DCPU/DJ-24 Dated 12.07.2024, corrigendum is being issued to the effect that the vacancy position described for Doctor is 'part time' in nature and payment shall be guided as 'honorarium' and e shall be as per the scale as provided under the guidelines of Mission Vatsalya to extent adopted by the Go WB in WCD&SW Department."
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Pratiksha Jadhav/MSM)
