Thousands of anganwadi workers from Vijayapura district have announced an indefinite protest demonstration at Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's office in Hubballi starting December 1. The workers are demanding permanent status for the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme and better working conditions.
Key Demands of Anganwadi Workers
According to Sunanda Nayak, Vijayapura district president of the Karnataka State Anganwadi Workers' Association, the Union government should celebrate the golden jubilee of the ICDS scheme by making it permanent. The workers have put forward several crucial demands that need immediate attention from the authorities.
The association demands establishment of a separate directorate to implement various requirements of anganwadi workers. They have called for cancellation of the FRS system or alternatively, provision of Wi-Fi facilities in all anganwadi centres every six months. Another significant demand includes relieving anganwadi workers from election duties.
As per the ILC recommendation, the workers should be considered as third and fourth-grade employees and provided with statutory benefits. Sunanda Nayak emphasized that today's children are the future citizens and the ICDS scheme plays a vital role in nurturing them as resources for the country's development.
Historical Significance and Current Challenges
The ICDS scheme, which began in 1975, has made substantial contributions to human development across the country. However, even after completing 50 years, the scheme faces uncertainty as it hasn't been made permanent. The funding situation has worsened after NITI Aayog reduced the funding ratio for this scheme to 60:40.
Due to the lack of budget increases that account for price rise, anganwadi centres are struggling to maintain basic facilities that can attract today's children. The situation is particularly challenging for the 2.8 million anganwadi workers associated with this scheme who have to work on honorarium basis rather than proper salaries.
Protest Plans and Future Actions
The association plans to submit formal requests to all union ministers in the state urging them to fulfil these demands from the central government. Starting December 1, work will be completely halted as indefinite protests begin in multiple locations including Hubballi, Bengaluru, Tumakuru, and Mandya.
Thousands of anganwadi workers are expected to participate in this massive protest movement. The workers have clearly stated that they want central ministers to visit the protest sites personally and receive their memorandums. The protest will continue until the government provides concrete assurances about fulfilling their demands in the next budget session.
All anganwadi workers from Vijayapura district will suspend their regular work and actively participate in the protest at Hubballi, demonstrating their collective resolve to achieve their long-pending demands.
