By Hirra Azmat
Srinagar, May 29: The face-off between Anganwadi workers and the government continues, with the authorities threatening to act strictly if the protesters do not resume their duties.
The Anganwadi workers and helpers have been on a strike since February 1 to demand a hike in honorarium, seniority list, implementation of the pension scheme, release of pending salaries and gratuity of Rs 2 lakh for workers and Rs 1 lakh for helpers on retirement.
The state has about 28,000 Anganwadi workers and helpers.
The government is threatening the Anganwadi workers to resume their duties or face action.
“It is enjoined upon all district programmer officers/child development project officers to direct all Aganwadi workers and helpers who are on strike to resume their duties and submit their genuine demands through concerned DPOs, failing which strict action against these AWWs/AW helpers can be taken and legitimated honorarium may not be disbursed to them,” reads the order issued by State Mission Director.
However, refusing to call off the strike, the Anwanwadi workers said they would continue their protests till their demands were met.
Tasleema Subhan, President of the J&K Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Association, said the workers have been suffering a “step-motherly treatment”.
“Our volume of work has increased yet our monthly salaries remain meagre,” Subhan said.
“We are least concerned about the recent government order. Our strike will continue until some concrete steps are taken towards fulfilling our long-pending demands.”
The Anganwadi workers claim they are paid only Rs 600 as their monthly honorarium, while their counterparts from other states get Rs 4,000 to 6,000.
