Odisha Anganwadi Workers Launch Indefinite Protest Alleging Govt Apathy

Bhubaneswar: Anganwadi workers from across Odisha launched an indefinite agitation in Bhubaneswar on Monday protesting alleged delay in fulfilling their demands including permanent staff status and pension.

The protesters, who thronged the state capital from different parts of the state and staged a dharna as Lower PMG, said their agitation will continue for an indefinite period to press for an eight-point charter demands. The agitating workers continued their sit-in stir in the night too.

Their demands include government employee status, monthly pension of Rs 5,000 after retirement and Rs 5 lakh compensation in the event of death.

Accusing the state government of being apathetic towards them and delaying fulfillment of their demands, the Anganwadi workers have shut a large number of centres in the state. 

Claiming that the state government’s flagship projects like Mamata Yojana and Harischandra Yojana became successful due to Anganwadi workers, the agitators alleged that the state government has been neglecting them and depriving them of the benefits which are available to its employees.

While senior Anganwadi workers are getting Rs 7,500 each as monthly salary, mini workers are paid Rs 5,500 only, they said, terming the amount as meager as inflation has been rising.