Odisha Anganwadi workers put stir on hold after govt assurance

Bhubaneswar: The agitating Anganwadi workers, sitting on an indefinite dharna at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar since September 14 pressing for fulfilment of their various demands, put their stir on hold today after receiving assurance from the State government, informed All Odisha Anganwadi Ladies Workers Association.

"We will work for the society as earlier. The government has said that in case of additional work we can enquire about the remuneration first and discharge our services only after receiving the payment. Presently, we have put our agitation on hold for a few days," said General Secretary of All Odisha Anganwadi Ladies Workers’ Association, Sumita Mohapatra.

However, the Anganwadi workers have said that they will seek the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue. "We will submit our demand papers addressed to PM Modi within November 1 to 7 thorough the Block Development Officers (BDOs) and will go to New Delhi on November 17. We have postponed the stir as the State Government has fulfilled 50 percent of our demands and has assured to fulfil the rest," said General Secretary of All-Odisha Anganwadi Workers’ Federation, Anjali Patel.

"They have postponed their agitation in respect and acceptance of the Chief Minister's decision. They have also agreed on the steps taken by the government and their remaining demands will be fulfilled after a discussion," said Women and Child Development Minister Prafulla Samal.

Hundreds of Anganwadi workers were staging protest at the Lower PMG with their 12-point charter of demands which among others include minimum salary of Rs 18,000 for workers and Rs 9,000 for helpers. The agitating workers are also demanding a minimum pension of Rs 3,000 per month, government employee status, revised insurance policy and others.

Also read: Odisha asks Anganwadi workers to join work or face music

Earlier on Tuesday, the state government enhanced the monthly remuneration of the workers by 50 percent. With the move, Anganwadi workers will get Rs 6000 per month against Rs 4000 while mini-Anganwadi workers will be entitled to a salary of Rs 4125 against the existing amount of Rs 2750. Similarly, Anganwadi helpers would receive Rs 3000 per month against current amount of Rs 2000.

Following the announcement by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, two Anganwadi associations resumed their services but many continued their stir protesting the meagre increase in salary.

https://youtu.be/b3MhLHfagt8