Anganwadi workers, helpers stage protest

Excelsior Correspondent

Anganwadi workers and helpers shouting slogan during a protest at Srinagar on Wednesday. -Excelsior/Amin War

SRINAGAR, July 31: Dozens of Anganwadi workers and helpers today staged protests against the Government for its failure to release their salaries.
The protesters under the banner of Helpers and Workers Association shouted anti-Social Welfare Department and anti-Government slogans for their failure to release their salaries. “We have not received salary from last eight months from the department. When we approached the concerned authorities, they said that the amount meant for your monthly honorarium has lapsed in March,” said the protesters.
The protesters also said that they have sacrificed their youthful days for the welfare of department on meager monthly honorarium of Rs 250 during 1990, which was later on increased to Rs 3600. “We have served our department on a small amount from more than last three decades, now Government should provide us social security for our old age days,” Hajra Begam, an Anganwadi worker said.
The members also alleged that neither the higher authorities have released funds for Anganwadi workers, helpers nor the functionaries in CDPO and District Social Welfare Offices (DSWO) have ever paid their wages on time.
The Anganwadi workers also said that it is the shame for the Government that Anganwadi workers, helpers are not released salaries in the holy month of Ramzan.
The angry Anganwadi workers also said that the Government is availing their service during surveys done in mohalla or any village, Polio campaign and even in election duty.
The protesters also demanded that Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, being a woman, should take their issues seriously.