Srinagar, Jan 31 : Anganwadi workers and helpers on Saturday staged a protest demanding release of pending wages, regularization of services and other long-pending benefits, but were not allowed to assemble by the police.

The protesting workers said they have been raising their issues for years, including timely payment of salaries, enhancement of honorarium and provision of pension benefits, but their demands continue to remain unaddressed.
Raising slogans, the workers said they wanted their issues to be taken up in the Assembly so that a concrete policy decision could be taken in their favour. They alleged that despite playing a crucial role at the grassroots level in child nutrition, health and welfare schemes, they continue to be treated unfairly.
Protesters said many Anganwadi workers and helpers are struggling to make ends meet due to meagre wages and irregular payments. They said regularization of services and social security benefits like pension are essential to ensure dignity and stability for thousands of workers.
The workers appealed to the government to seriously consider their demands and resolve the issue at the earliest, warning that they would intensify their agitation if their voices continue to be ignored.