n The protesting Anganwadi workers have termed the notices served to them with warning of suspension as the violation of their human rights.

According to state president of Anganwadi workers association Rekha Negi, “Suspending us does not make any difference per se because we just get Rs  125 per day but forcing and pressurising us to make us return to our work is the violation of human rights. We have not gone invisible without giving any notice to the department.

The government is pressurising Anganwadi supervisors too by delaying their salaries so that they can put pressure on us to resume work.

But we have rights too and no one can suspend us like that.”

However, according to the District Programme Officer (DPO) Akhilesh Mishra, no violation of human rights is happening and the department is working as per the standard procedure.

He said, “How is going on a strike supporting human rights while sending a notice asking them to return to their job is a violation of human rights? We are working according to the rules.

We have just issued the notice to appeal the protesters to resume their work. It’s up to them whether they want to come back or not, we are not forcibly picking anyone.

If they think that protesting for their rights is their human right then it is the duty of our department too to call them back to work.”

On the suspension of the Anganwadi workers he said, “At some places in Rudraprayag and Pauri, Anganwadi workers have been fired without any notice. We are still requesting the protesters here to join back but the ultimate decision about it is theirs.”