Srinagar- Scores of Anganwadi workers staged a protest at the Press Enclave against the recently approved HR policy by the administration for female Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Helpers working in the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) of J&K.
The protesting Anganwadi workers said according to the HR policy the retiring age of the Anganwadi workers has been set 60, besides there are some clauses of the order which are not in the interest of workers.
“We are being told those Anganwadi workers who have attained the age of sixty years should sit at home, the move is unjustified and uncalled for ” said an Anganwadi worker.
The protesting Anganwadi workers said whereas the retirement age for Anganwadi workers in New Delhi and Ladakh is 65 years, it is 60 years in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. They further said that after years of service, workers are being transferred from one ward to another.
“Our retirement age should be enhanced to 65 years to bring us at par with other Union Territories and status quo should be maintained with reference to our postings” they said.
Amid heavy sloganeering against the authorities, a few women fainted in the charged atmosphere.
The Anganwadi workers further said some decades back when they joined their duties, the number of malnutritioned children was much higher and the credit of improving the health scenario in Jammu and Kashmir goes to them.
However, they said, by approving the HR policy the admiration has not only failed in acknowledging their contribution but also put a question mark on their credibility.
Another Anganwadi worker, speaking on anonymity, said decades back she had to make a choice between her job and her husband and she chose a job.
“My husband had told me to leave this job. Instead I refused and broke the wedlock, now I am left with nothing. We request the government to take back the HR policy” she said.
The protesting Anganwadi workers said they will not hesitate in bringing their children on the roads and will continue the protest until the order is revoked.
Pertinently, the government in November this year approved the proposal of a comprehensive Human Resource Policy to govern the engagement, leaves, promotion and other important aspects of this very vital work force of the Social Welfare department. .
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