Srinagar
Stating that marginalised and poorer sections of the society have been left to fend for themselves by the incumbent government, CPI-M leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Thursday asked the authorities to release the pending wages of Anganwadi workers and helpers before Eid-ul-Fitr.
The spokesman said insensitive approach of the state government towards the long-pending legitimate grievances of Anganwadi workers and helpers is unfortunate. These people work with dedication but they have been pushed to the wall and the state government seems to be insensitive towards their well-being. They are working on meagre wages since long and that too is not being released forcing them to come on roads.
The weaker and poorer sections of the society have been totally neglected by the government which has severely hit their means of livelihood. Some of the Anganwadi workers are widows, who are the sole breadwinners of their respective families. How will they manage without if the government has stopped their wages.
While the Anganwadi workers are being peanuts compared to their counterparts in other states of the country, they apart from their general work are being deputed for election duty, polio vaccination and other tasks. Even after toiling hard, they are being denied wages which is a gross injustice. The government makes tall claims when it comes to the welfare of women but the reality is that injustice is being done with them.
He demanded the release of wages in favour of Anganwadi workers and helpers pending for several months without any further delay, in view of Eid festival. Besides, hike in honorarium and release of pending salaries, the government must implement the pension scheme and gratuity of Rs two lakh for workers and Rs one lakh for helpers on retirement.
