Unhappy over pay hike, anganwadi workers gherao Koraput Collector’s office

Koraput: Hundreds of anganwadi workers and helpers gheraoed Koraput Collector’s office on Wednesday protesting against the state
government’s decision regarding 50 per cent increase in honorarium.

“We have been sitting on dharna for past 36 days at different parts of the state seeking fulfillment of our legitimate demands,
including a minimum monthly remuneration of Rs 18,000 for anganwadi workers and Rs 9,000 for helpers since we provide basic services starting from taking care of pregnant and lactating mothers and health and education of children below 5 years of age. Many among us also work in very difficult conditions. The state government has, however, failed to resolve our issues,” an agitator said.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a hike in the remuneration of anganwadi workers, mini anganwadi workers and helpers
to Rs 6,000, Rs 4,125 and Rs 3,000 per month respectively. The move came hours after a group of agitating anganwadi workers met the Chief Minister at state secretariat in Bhubaneswar and apprised him of their grievances.