Protesting Anganwadi Workers disrupted traffic, reiterate demands.

 

Nasir Khan Central Kashmir Bureau Chief

 

 

 

SRINAGAR: J&K Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Association are protesting at the Press Enclave for the sixth consecutive day. They moved out on the mian road and disrupted the vehicular movement on the main business street.

 

 

They are seeking hike in their increments and appreciation of their monthly honorarium from Rs 3600 to Rs 10000. They are also seeking regularization of their services as permanent employees.

On Saturday, they blocked traffic for some time. Later after intervention of SP Kothi Bagh, they agreed to clear the blockade and returned back to the press enclave, where they are on protest for many days.

 

 

Additional District Commissioner Srinagar Vikas Kundal has a brief chat with the protesting workers alongwith Purnima Mithal.

 

The protesting women accused government of neglecting them and depriving them of their various entitlements. Hajira Bano, a protesting worker said they have been supporting various government orgamisations to implement various programmes which include organizations like Election Commission, Census Directorate, and Examinations besides vaccinations. “While we work a lot, our services are not being adequately paid for,” she said. “After we retire at 65, we do not get anything to survive on.”

 

 

Haleema, another protesting worker they don’t get any medical leave and are not given any incentive for family settlement cases which requires them to visit the villages and families for family counselling and reconciliation.

They also condemned the arrest of their leaders who include Haseena Sofi, Tasleema Subhan and Rafiqa Khanam and were arrested on September 18, and put in Custody till 8 in the evening.