REBUTTAL JAMMU, FEBRUARY 17: This is with reference to the News item “Proposal Pending before Finance Deptt: MD ICDS” in Daily Excelsior Paper dated 17th February 2024, wherein the Statement ofMD ICDS, J&K has been wrongly interpreted. It has never been stated that it is the duty of Finance Department to take decision regarding enhancement of Honorarium of Anganwadi Workers/Helpers. Further, it is clarified that the Department of Mission Poshan (erstwhile ICDS) releases honorarium to AWWs/AWHs as and when the funds are received under both Center and State share. It may be mentioned here that Additional State Share is given to the AWWs/AWHs under Honorarium component. There are States/UTs who pay less to their AWWs & AWHs than the UT of J&K.