Anganwadi workers’ protest: Odisha govt warns of strict action if leaves taken today

The Odisha Women and Child Development Department has warned of strict action against the Anganwadi workers who have called for a protest in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.

The department issued a letter to all the district Collectors directing them to ensure that the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) continues in Odisha without any interruption.

The letter was issued to refrain the Anganwadi workers from going on a mass leave on Wednesday as the Anganwadi centres form the focal point for the delivery of these services (ICDS).

“Due to the mass leave called by All Odisha Anganwadi Ladies Worker Association on November 15, 2023 to attend the Sramik Samabesha at Bhubaneswar, there is a possibility of interruption of ICDS in the field. This may create difficulties in providing supplementary nutrition, ECCE activities, health check-up and other referral services,” the department said.

“Since the nutrition and ICDS are essential, no disruption can be permitted. Hence, all field functionaries including AWWs and AWHs may he instructed to desist from participation in the Mass Leave and continue the ICDS uninterruptedly. You are therefore requested to ensure that ICDS are not disrupted and no leave should be allowed for November 15, 2023 to any of the AWWs and AWHs for the participation in the gathering,” the letter to the Collectors read.

The department warned of strict action against any AWW or AWH found absent or not providing their services on November 15 due to closure of the Anganwadi Centre.

The All Odisha Anganwadi Ladies Workers Association has called on a mass leave to stage a massive protest in Bhubaneswar today to put forth a slew a demands before the government.