Striking Anganwadi workers stage rally in Jammu

Several hundred Anganwadi workers, who have been on strike for two months now, today staged a rally here to press for their demands including release of pending salaries and hike in honorarium.

Led by their president Suman Suri, the workers walked from MAM stadium to the Press Club under the banner of 'Anganwadi Workers And Helpers Association', officials said.

The protesters shouted slogans against the state government for failing to address their issues.

"Police was initially reluctant but later allowed the rally. We want this government to have mercy on our plight and for them to consider our genuine demands," Suri told PTI.

She said the participants were carrying bangles as a mark of protest against the government for its alleged failure to take note of the ongoing protest which entered its 63rd day today.

Besides the demand for hike in honorarium and release of pending salaries, the association is seeking seniority list, implementation of the pension scheme and gratuity of Rs two lakh for workers and Rs one lakh for helpers on retirement.

"We are getting a meagre Rs 3,600 and Rs 1,800 for workers and helpers respectively, while our counterparts in other states, including Delhi are getting Rs 10,000 and Rs 6,000 for the same work," Suri said.

"We are disappointed with this government as we were hopeful that Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who herself is a woman, can understand the problems being faced by the workers and come out with a solution," she said.

It is not possible to meet the ends on such a meagre amount, Suri said.

There are about 28,000 Anganwadi workers and helpers in the state who are working since 1975 under the Integrated Child Development Scheme.