On the opening of the Monsoon Session of the State Assembly on Friday, hundreds of Anganwadi Workers staged a demonstration at the Lower PMG in the capital demanding fulfilment of their 10-point charter of demands.
The demands included a hike of salary to Rs 18,000, government employee status, salary of Rs 9,000 for Anganwadi Helpers, provision of gratuity, pension and summer vacation.
The agitators warned of continuing the agitation till fulfilment of their demands. They also threatened to abstain from voting during the upcoming elections.
“We had earlier resorted to agitation in November last year. However, we withdrew it after receiving a letter from the Chief Secretary, in which we were assured that a meeting will be held over our demands in February. Unfortunately, our demands are still unheard,” an agitator said.
“While salary of Anganwadi Workers has been increased in other States, the same is yet to be done in Odisha,” she added.
