Srinagar, Mar 16: Thousands of Anganwadi workers and helpers across Jammu and Kashmir have appealed to the government to immediately release their pending honorarium, which they say has not been paid for the past three to four months, leaving many families in financial distress ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Workers and helpers associated with the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) said the delay has affected nearly 59,000 Anganwadi workers and helpers across the Union Territory, many of whom depend entirely on this modest income to support their households.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, several workers said that despite performing their duties regularly, their honorarium has not been released, putting them under severe financial pressure as the festival approaches.
Latifa Ganie, a member of the J&K Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union affiliated with CITU Kashmir, said the prolonged delay has created anxiety among workers and helpers.
“We have been working regularly and fulfilling our responsibilities, but unfortunately our honorarium has not been released for the last four months. Eid-ul-Fitr is approaching and many workers are struggling to manage their basic household needs,” she said.
According to union members, Anganwadi workers currently receive a monthly honorarium of around ₹5,100, out of which the Central Government contributes ₹4,500 while the Jammu and Kashmir administration provides ₹600 as its share. Anganwadi helpers receive about ₹2,500 per month, including ₹2,200 from the Centre and ₹300 from the UT administration.
They alleged that the UT share in Jammu and Kashmir remains significantly lower compared to several other states, where workers reportedly receive between ₹7,000 and ₹15,000 per month due to higher contributions from state governments.
“Many of our workers are widows and single earners who rely entirely on this small income. Without the honorarium, it is becoming extremely difficult to manage daily expenses,” Ganie added.
Workers and helpers from various ICDS projects said the delay in the release of their honorarium has pushed many families into deeper financial hardship. They said that due to the non-availability of funds, several workers are struggling to meet even basic household expenses.
Many workers said they are unable to purchase essential medicines, pay their children’s school fees, or buy fruits and other basic items required during iftar in the holy month of Ramadan. With Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, they said the situation has become increasingly distressing for many families.
“We are earning our livelihood on these small wages. If the honorarium is not released before Eid, many of us will not even be able to buy clothes or basic items for our children,” several workers said, expressing concern that their families may not be able to celebrate the festival with dignity.
They urged the government to release the pending payments at the earliest so that workers can overcome the ongoing financial crisis and celebrate Eid with their families.
Mission Director ICDS J&K, Sajad Hussain Ganai, could not be reached for comments despite repeated attempts. His response will be included once available.
