Anganwadi workers end protest after govt assurances
Hyphen Web Desk
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Anganwadi workers in the state have suspended their 13-day-long day-and-night protest following assurances from the government to address their demands within three months.
The decision to halt the agitation came after discussions with Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal, who promised a revision in their salaries and a comprehensive review of their grievances.
The workers, under the banner of the Indian National Anganwadi Employees Federation , affiliated with the Indian National Trade Union Congress , had initiated the indefinite protest in front of the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram on March 17.
The workers, under the banner of the Indian National Anganwadi Employees Federation , affiliated with the Indian National Trade Union Congress , had initiated the indefinite protest in front of the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram on March 17.
Their primary demands included recognition as government employees, a minimum monthly salary of ₹21,000, timely payment of wages in a single installment, and improved quality of food supplies for children. Additionally, they sought retirement benefits of ₹5 lakh, enhanced festival allowances, provision of better smartphones for the Poshan Tracker app, extension of Employee State Insurance benefits, and an expansion of the welfare board's operations.
During the discussions, Minister Balagopal assured the representatives that their demands would be thoroughly examined and appropriate action taken within three months. Based on this commitment, the union decided to suspend the protest temporarily. However, they have warned that if no concrete steps are taken within the stipulated period, they will resume their agitation with greater intensity.
The protest had garnered significant attention, highlighting the challenges faced by Anganwadi workers in the state. Despite a substantial increase in workload over the past eight years, the workers expressed dissatisfaction with the stagnation in their service benefits. Currently, Anganwadi workers earn ₹12,500 per month, while helpers receive ₹8,750. The last honorarium revision occurred in 2016, and although the 2021 budget proposed an increase of ₹1,000 for workers and ₹500 for helpers, the INAEF asserts that this increment was never implemented.
During the discussions, Minister Balagopal assured the representatives that their demands would be thoroughly examined and appropriate action taken within three months. Based on this commitment, the union decided to suspend the protest temporarily. However, they have warned that if no concrete steps are taken within the stipulated period, they will resume their agitation with greater intensity.
The protest had garnered significant attention, highlighting the challenges faced by Anganwadi workers in the state. Despite a substantial increase in workload over the past eight years, the workers expressed dissatisfaction with the stagnation in their service benefits. Currently, Anganwadi workers earn ₹12,500 per month, while helpers receive ₹8,750. The last honorarium revision occurred in 2016, and although the 2021 budget proposed an increase of ₹1,000 for workers and ₹500 for helpers, the INAEF asserts that this increment was never implemented.
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