Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 10: Alleging that ICDS Scheme has unleashed all time biggest exploitation of women in the history of post independence India, Anganwari Workers and Helpers’ Union (AWHU) said that if the demands of Anganwari workers and helpers are not acceded, it will take up the matter to international forums like Human Rights Commission and UN Commission of Women.
Addressing a press conference here today, Suman Suri, president, AWHU, said that the Mission ICDS has become the biggest tool of gender discrimination and exploitation of women work force in post independence period. She alleged that Anganwari workers and helpers are being treated as bonded labourers in J&K.
“We are made to perform a host of duties like that of a health worker, pre-school teacher, doing surveys and making preparation of list of beneficiaries from 0 to 6 years children and lactating as well as pregnant women, immunization, referral services, etc but in turn a meager amount of Rs 3600 and Rs 1800 per month is being paid to Anganwari workers and helpers, respectively”, Suri said.
She said that ICDS Mission has become a tool of violation of human rights of women workers, who are worst victims of this State sponsored exploitation for past about 43 years. She requested all social organizations, NGOs and others working in the field of women emancipation to come forward in their support.
Highlighting the demands of Union like payment of salary month wise, provision of minimum wage grade or regularization for those workers who have completed 10 years or more unbreakable service, payment of labour and carriage charges with TA/DA payment as per scheme and 100% promotions for Anganwari workers on the post of supervisors with proper seniority, Suri said if demands of the union are not fulfilled at the earliest, it will further intensify the agitation.
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