Anganwadi Workers, Helpers Stage Massive Protest in Bhubaneswar Seeking Pay Hike

Bhubaneswar: The Lower PMG area in the Odisha capital almost turned red on Monday as thousands of Anganwadi workers and helpers in red saree staged a massive protest to press their demands.

Their list of demands included providing them government employee status, monthly assistance of Rs 26,000 to Anganwadi workers and Rs 13,000 to helpers. They also demanded a hike in the existing Rs 7.20 per head allotment for ‘hot cook meal’.

The protesting anganwadi workers and helpers, who came from different parts of the state to participate in the demonstration, urged the Odisha government to fulfill the assurances given to them by the previous BJD regime in the state. They threatened to intensify their agitation if their long-standing demands are not fulfilled soon.

However, Anganwadi workers and helpers of two centres in Siriapur under Puri district’s Pipili block did not reportedly join the agitation. They clarified that they did not want innocent children to suffer and feel neglected because of their strike.