Anganwadi Workers in Majuli Stage Nationwide Protest for Better Conditions
Protest for Anganwadi Workers' Rights
Anganwadi workers protest in Majuli
Jorhat, July 10: Anganwadi workers and helpers, represented by the Assam Rajyik Anganwadi Karmi and Sahayika Santha and affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), held a nationwide Black Day protest in Kamalabari, Majuli, on Friday. Their demands included improved wages, regularization of their services, and better working conditions.
During the demonstration, participants carried kitchen utensils like steel plates and serving spoons, symbolizing their grievances against the government's neglect of Anganwadi workers. They chanted slogans such as "Amar dabi mani louk" and "Karmi-Sohayika Zindabad" as they marched through the streets.
One protester stated, "We aim to present our demands to the government. The Centre must increase the budget for Anganwadi services and ensure that workers and helpers are recognized as government employees. Irregular appointments should cease, and at least half of the Anganwadi workers should be promoted to Mukhya Sevika (ICDS Supervisor)."
Additionally, the protesters called for travel allowances and an extension of summer vacations for children aged three to six attending Anganwadi pre-primary classes. "Summer breaks should also apply to pre-primary sections in Anganwadi centres, allowing workers to take leave. We need reimbursement for expenses related to transporting food, study materials, and other essentials," another participant emphasized.
The workers insisted on receiving regular wages instead of honorariums. They also highlighted the dire conditions of Anganwadi centres, especially in flood-prone areas like Majuli, where many facilities lack basic infrastructure.
"The state of Anganwadi centres is alarming, particularly in Majuli, where many are damaged during the monsoon season each year. We demand urgent improvements, including repairs to dilapidated buildings and the provision of electricity in centres lacking these facilities," a protester remarked.
The demonstrators urged both the Central and State Governments to address their longstanding demands promptly.