Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 22: Anganwadi workers and helpers staged a protest today, demanding their regularization and the implementation of the Minimum Wages Act.
Under the banner of CITU, J&K, the workers gathered at Sher-e-Kashmir Park, raising slogans and urging the Government to address their long-pending demands.
One of the protesters, Hanifa Bhat, said that both the Union Budget and the UT Budget had nothing for them, which, she said, reflected the Government’s insensitivity.
“We are not against the J&K Government; we only urge them to implement the Minimum Wages Act, as has been done in other states, and work towards our regularization,” she said.
She added that Anganwadi workers receive only Rs 500 from the state and Rs 4,000 from the Centre. “This is sheer injustice and needs to be addressed,” she said.
The protesting women said they have expectations from the Government and want it to take note of their issues and resolve them once and for all. “This is our own Government, and our hopes are high.”
Lateefa Ganai, another protesting worker, said they were compelled to come out and protest even during the month of Ramadan, emphasizing that, apart from other demands, they seek an increase in the state’s share of their remuneration.
“We have been forced to protest today. We demand an increase in the state’s contribution. If other states have implemented the Minimum Wages Act, why not J&K?” she said.
She pointed out that in Pondicherry-a Union Territory-Anganwadi workers and helpers are paid according to the Minimum Wages Act. “Now that J&K is also a UT, the Government should have no difficulty in implementing the Act.
The workers urged the government to approve an increase in the state’s share under the scheme during the ongoing Budget session of the J&K Assembly.
“We might have to wait for our other demands to be fulfilled until statehood is restored, but until then, the Government should at least increase our honorarium,” they said.
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