Anganwadi workers, helpers protest; raise demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 1: A joint protest -dharna of representatives of Jammu and Kashmir Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union was held at Press Club, Jammu here today.

The protest was held under the chairmanship of Babu Hussain Malik, state president Jammu and Kashmir Govt Employees Joint Action Committee (R) alongwith Mahajabeen, present Jammu and Kashmir Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union and senior Trade Union leaders Yashpaul Sharma, Madan Sangral, Kamla Sharma, Renu Sharma, Zahida Parveen, Sunita Dewan, Shivani Sharma, Shahida Parveen and others.

They expressed strong resentment against the step motherly treatment with Anganwadi workers and helpers. They pointed out that these helpless workers are working at the meager wages of Rs 5000 per month ( Anganwadi workers) and Rs 3000 per month (Helpers). They have to perform work of different departments even beyond their duty hours. Moreover, they have not been regularized.

Senior Trade Union leaders expresses grave concern over the facts that these workers have been deprived of the benefits given to the counterparts in other States and Union territories. The speakers strongly demanded that initial wages of these workers should be Rs 15000 per month at par with such workers in other parts of the country. A unanimous resolution at the dharna site demanded immediately DPC of such workers and regularization as permanent Government employees.

They said it is deplorable that these workers are neither entitled to any Leave-in- Cashment, nor entitled to vacations like teaching staff. Their mobile data allowances must be raised to Rs 600 per month instead of Rs 160 per month.

The senior trade union leaders appealed to the Chief Minister and Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to settle the above said issues of deprived workers as early as possible.