Anganwadi Workers in Uttarakhand Districts Stage Protests Over Honorarium and Benefits
Anganwadi workers across the districts of Almora and Bageshwar in Uttarakhand staged significant protests on Monday, demanding an increase in their honorarium and the resolution of various long-standing issues. The workers issued a stern warning that they would intensify their agitation if the state government fails to take a decisive action soon.
Protests Erupt in Almora and Bageshwar
In Almora, workers from all 11 development blocks gathered at the district headquarters, raising slogans against the state government. Following a meeting, they marched through the main market area, expressing frustration that their concerns have been consistently ignored despite repeated representations to authorities.
Similarly, in Bageshwar, Anganwadi workers organized a procession, reiterating the same set of demands. They highlighted that their workload has substantially increased over the years due to additional responsibilities under various government schemes, yet their honorarium and facilities have not seen any corresponding revision.
Key Demands of the Anganwadi Workers
The protesters presented a comprehensive list of demands, centering on financial and operational improvements:
- Honorarium Increase: They demanded a Rs 140 per day hike in honorarium from the state government and requested that a proposal for an additional Rs 150 per day increase be forwarded to the Central government.
- Retirement Benefits: The workers called for a government order ensuring retirement benefits of Rs 10 lakh without imposing additional qualification criteria.
- Revised Scheme Withdrawal: They sought the withdrawal of the Rs 300 monthly deduction under the revised retirement scheme, which has increased the payout from Rs 35,000–40,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
- Biometric Attendance Opposition: The protesters opposed the linking of Anganwadi centres to biometric attendance systems, citing persistent network issues that hinder its implementation.
- Operational Simplifications: Demands included simplification of KYC and face capture processes, higher mobile recharge allowances, and replacement of faulty mobile devices.
- Additional Demands: Other requests encompassed enhancement of building rent with direct bank transfers, additional honorarium for work undertaken for other departments, recruitment of supervisors based on seniority, extension of benefits under the Nanda Gaura scheme, and early release of pending maternity scheme funds.
Escalation Threats and Economic Hardships
The workers warned that if the government does not respond favorably, they plan to gherao the concerned minister on the 26th. Should their demands remain unaddressed, they threatened to launch an indefinite sit-in protest in a phased manner.
Addressing the protest in Bageshwar, state vice-president Vimla Kohli emphasized the economic hardships faced by Anganwadi workers. She stated that it has become increasingly difficult to run a household on a monthly honorarium of Rs 9,000, especially amid rising prices. Kohli pointed out that escalating school fees, ration costs, and daily expenses have significantly added to their financial burden.
Growing Discontent and Awaiting Government Response
These protests reflect a growing discontent among Anganwadi workers in the region as they await a concrete response from the state government. The demonstrations underscore the urgent need for addressing their grievances to ensure the smooth functioning of essential childcare and community services provided by these workers.
