Braving intense cold in the city, Anganwadi Workers continued their stir which entered day the 28th day on Sunday alleging dillydallying tactics by the State Government in fulfilling their demands.
On the day thousands of workers from Cuttack district joined the protest.
The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh-affiliated All Odisha Anganwadi Ladies Workers’ Association (AOALWA) has been demanding that the Angwanwadi Workers be declared as Government employees and a minimum wage of Rs 18,000 per month and a minimum pension of Rs 3,000 per month for them.
The workers also demand permanent job status and extension of the working age till 65 years.
The other demands include implementation of 45th and 46th recommendations of Indian Labour Conference, Rs 2 lakh as gratuity during the time of retirement, a sum of Rs 5 lakh as ex-gratia if the workers die in a mishap are enlisted by the association, said AOALWA general secretary Sumita Mohapatra.
While women and children healthcare services are being affected because of the agitation, the Anganwadi Workers have stated that the stir would intensify if the demands remain unfulfilled.
Among others, AOALWA Cuttack president Gitarani Mohanty, secretary Jyoutsnarani Singh, Pramila Das, Pravati Parida and Puri district secretary Kamal Naryan Rath and many other functionaries were present.