Punjab creche workers announce dharna if state gov’t fails to pay dues

The Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development department could face dharnas soon unless creche workers and helpers receive honorarium within the next two weeks, said the All Punjab Anganwadi Employees Union on March 18, 2021.

President Hargobind Kaur met Director Vimmi Bhullar on Thursday, and said that members would protest outside the department office if the 200 or so creche employees are not paid in a fortnight’s time.

According to Kaur, workers and helpers have not been paid for the last two and a half years. As a result, it is becoming difficult for them to make ends meet. Further, she asked Bhullar that workers and helpers of eight blocks be paid rent and uniforms of anganwadi centres which have been pending for one year.

In response, Bhullar told her that pending bills have been passed to the finance department and will be received soon. Similarly, the file for honorarium of creche workers and helpers remains with finance officials. Once the department clears the file, workers will be paid.