Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 20: Scores of helpers to supervisors of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) department who have been disengaged by the Government today protested here, demanding revocation of the termination order and release of outstanding wages.
The helpers to supervisors gathered at Partap Park, Press Enclave and raised slogans in support of their demands.
They were holding banners and placards that read “We Want Justice” and “Revoke the Order”. They claimed to have worked for the department for the past two decades.
“We were fulfilling every duty, from election duty to immunization, but we are without salaries for the last three years,” a protesting worker said.
She added that the Government has failed to release their wages for the last four years despite court directions. “They should release our salaries and reverse the termination order,” she said.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, the protesting helpers said they worked tirelessly and risked their lives to save others. “Despite endangering our lives, the authorities fired us,” they said.
The protestors claimed that they have been protesting for the past three years but that the authorities are unmoved. “We have moved to the court that has stayed the order. But the department’s indifference concerns us,” a protestor said, adding that they are unable to work in the Government sector since they are over the age limit.
The disgruntled workers threatened to escalate protests if the order was not reversed within a short period of time. “The authorities will be held accountable for the repercussions,” they said.
Authorities had removed 918 ICDS supervisors, stating that they had been “improperly” appointed.
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