Anganwadi Workers Stage Protest In Bhubaneswar Defying Odisha Govt Warning

Bhubaneswar: Despite warning by the Odisha government, a large number of Anganwadi workers took part in a protest march organised by Bharatiya Majdoor Sangh (BMS) in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday demanding regularisation of jobs and equal pay for equal work.

The protesters, who joined the march from Ram Mandir to Master Canteen in the state capital, alleged that the state government has betrayed them after making false promises.

Terming the state government as inefficient, the agitating Anganwadi workers said that the government has only given assurances without taking any step to fulfil its promises. This government needs to be ousted in the interest of all, said an Anganwadi worker.

The demonstrators demand all the scheme employees including the Anganwadi workers to be regularised. Every employee should be paid equally for equal jobs. Instead of minimum wages, there should be living wages for the employees, she said.

The protest came even after the Women and Child Development department had warned of strict action against the Anganwadi workers if found taking leaves to participate in the protest today.

The letter was issued to all the district Collectors directing them to ensure that the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) continues in Odisha without any interruption as the Anganwadi centres form the focal point for the delivery of these services (ICDS).

Regarding the warning, a protesting worker said if a single Anganwadi worker is sacked the protest will be intensified further.

Many trade unions affiliated to the BMS joined the march including the contractual workers and workers of Central and State government PSUs. The demonstrators threatened to intensify their protest if the government fails to pay heed to their demands.