Anganwadi Ladies Workers’ Protest

Nayagarh: 18/03/2025 (Bhaskar Chandra Swain) – A protest was held in front of the District Collector’s office by the All Odisha Anganwadi Ladies Workers Association affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh. A ten-point demand letter was submitted to the Chief Minister through the Collector. Anganwadi workers marched from the Nayagarh sports ground to the District Collector’s office. The demonstration was led by district president Jyotsnamayi Panda and secretary Geetanjali Sethy. Their ten-point charter includes: after 50 years of exploitation in the name of scheme workers, both anganwadi workers and helpers should be made permanent by scrapping the current project and framing new regulations. Workers should be promoted to the position of supervisor based on seniority and passing years. Anganwadi workers should be declared government employees. Until they are recognized as such, every worker should receive ₹18,000 per month. Annual increments should be given based on experience. The increased assistance promised in the election manifesto should be discussed with the association and implemented immediately. Since 2018, the cost of hot cooked meals (SNP) has not increased, so it should be revised immediately. Pending financial assistance from 2021 should be released at once. Anganwadi workers should be removed from the temporary GK post. The ₹500 incentive under the Matru Vandana (Mamata) scheme should be increased. An annual ₹4,000 should be provided for 5G mobile and internet pack expenses to properly carry out all activities of the Poshan Tracker.