Says workers and helpers have not received their monthly honorarium for nearly five months.
Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam M Y Tarigami has urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to substantially raise the state share of honorarium for Anganwadi workers and helpers and bring it at par with other states.
Anganwadi workers in J&K receive only Rs 600 per month as state contribution, while helpers get Rs 300, in addition to the central assistance of Rs 4,500 and Rs 2,250 respectively. As a result, workers in J&K receive around Rs 5,100 per month and helpers about half of that, far lower than most states where combined honorarium approaches Rs 10,000 or more.
He said it is deeply unjust that Anganwadi workers and helpers in J&K are among the lowest paid in the country despite performing the same duties as their counterparts elsewhere. He has repeatedly taken up the issue with the government, but despite assurances, workers and helpers have remained without their honorarium for nearly six months.
Tarigami demanded the immediate release of all pending payments and called on the government to enhance its contribution to ensure dignified wages and timely disbursement for Anganwadi workers and helpers.DD