Demand for Timely Release of Wages: Bilal Bhat Advocates for Anganwadi Workers and Helpers

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

SRINAGAR SEPTEMBER 17:-Social Reformer, Campaigner, and Public Speaker Bilal Bhat on Tuesday voiced serious concern over the plight of Anganwadi workers and helpers working under the ICDS scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, who have been without wages for several months.

In a statement, Bhat said these workers form the backbone of grassroots implementation as most government schemes are executed through them. “They remain on their toes, whether it is government events, community programmes, or disaster-like situations, yet their hard work is not rewarded with timely wages,” he remarked.

He further pointed out that the central share of their wages has not been released for months, leaving employees struggling to feed their families. Besides delayed wages, they are denied social security benefits such as promotions, gratuity, pensions, provident fund, and medical facilities — a situation Bhat termed “administrative apathy and injustice.”

Highlighting the importance of the ICDS scheme, Bhat recalled that it began in 1975-76 on an experimental basis and has now become the world’s largest integrated programme for early childhood development, addressing health, nutrition, education, and women’s empowerment. “It is a symbol of India’s commitment to her children and must not be undermined by neglecting the very workers who run it on the ground,” he emphasized.

Bilal Bhat urged the authorities to ensure the immediate release of pending wages and to put in place a comprehensive social security framework for Anganwadi workers and helpers, recognizing their indispensable role in nation-building.