Srinagar: Hundreds of Anganwari workers and helpers protested outside the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence at Gupkar Road on Monday, calling for the implementation of the Minimum Wages Act in J&K and an increase in their monthly honorarium.
Accusing the National Conference government of ignoring their plight, the Anganwari workers and helpers gathered outside the Chief Minister’s Gupkar residence, demanding a hike in monthly honorarium.
Shouting slogans like “Rs 2000 not enough to support family”, “Implement the Minimum Wages Act in J&K”, and “Increase our monthly honorarium”, the protesters said they wanted the government to take their concerns seriously so that their families do not have to go hungry this Eid.
The huge number of Anganwari workers and helpers made it impossible for the traffic police cops to control traffic along the road stretch.
“Before taking office, Omar Abdullah assured us that his administration will address all of our problems; but it is regrettable that he has failed to keep his pledge after becoming the chief minister. We receive a pitiful monthly honorarium which must be enhanced,” Jameela, a protesting Anganwari worker said.
The government, she claimed, pays them an honorarium of Rs 2000 a month, which is insufficient to cover even their transportation expenses.
The protestors requested the government to enforce the Minimum Wages Act in J&K and increase their honorarium from Rs 2000 to Rs 6000.
“Despite years of protests, no valid concerns of ours have ever been addressed by the successive regimes including the NC till date. Is it possible for anyone to support his/her family on Rs 2000? Why is this administration so insensitive to our plight? Why are we unable to receive a decent monthly pay?” she asked, adding that they will intensify protests in case their demands are not fulfilled “within the next three days”.
