Angarwari workers continue protests against SAC decision

Oppose disbursement of Honorariums through Gram Panchayats

SRINAGAR, JULY 23 (PTK): A large number of Anganwadi workers and helpers on Tuesday protested against the decision of the State Administrative Council (SAC) to disburse their honorariums through Gram Panchayats.

Scores of protestors first assembled in scheme from different parts of the Sub District Tangmarg assembled and later held mass protest against govt decision. They chanted ‘Revoke the decision’, ‘Do justice with women folk’ and ‘We want justice’.

The workers and helpers, working under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme from different parts of the border district, assembled in the main town demanding immediate roll back of SAC decision.

Protester very strongly rejected the SAC Order regarding disbursement of honorarium to AWWs and AWHs through Corporator/Councillor/Gram Panchayats and termed it as unacceptable. They cautioned the Government to immediately withdraw this controversial order failing which they shall be forced to come on roads to protect their honour and dignity and consequences there of shall lie on the Governor Administration.

The leaders demanded that Anganwadi Workers and Helpers who have completed 10 years or more regular service be given minimum wage grade and regularized, provision of 10% PPF/GPF be ordered in their favour, mediclaim policy may be extended to them, they be brought under ESI (Employees State Insurance), Rs 5 lakh to Anganwadi Worker and Rs 3 lakh to Anganwadi Helpers be given on their retirement and immediate release of increased honorarium of the State share of Rs 500 and Rs 400 per month to AWWs and AWHs.

Another protester said that disbursing honorarium through Gram Panchayats can pave way for corruption and harassment of these Anganwadi workers and Helpers.

She not only demanding rollback of this arbitrary decision but also asserted for making ICDS employees permanent and increase their budgetary allocation.

“We are working under ICDS scheme and have our own department. How is it possible that this decision will be implemented,” she said. “We demand revocation of this decision as soon as possible. If our department is handed over to the Panchayats, then government should hand over all the departments to Panchayats.”

The protesters threatened of state-wise agitation if government fails to revoke the decision. (PTK)