AITUC-affiliated Nikhila Odisha Anganwadi Karmi Sangha would join a countrywide stir on January 8 and 9 pressing for a 12-point charter of demands, including giving status of workmen to Anganwadi workers, minimum honorarium of Rs 18,000 and social security, as decided by the National Labour Conference.
The association decried the Central Government’s anti-labour policy, especially the apathy towards the scheme workers. It said that though the Anganwadi Services Scheme is in operation for last 40 years, but so far neither these workers have been given minimum wages nor the status of workmen as defined in the law.
Presided over by association president Bijaya Jena, the meeting decided to make the agitation a success. Besides it decided to have a State wide agitation on December 11 with demands like 20 days of summer vacation, promotion to posts of supervisor from 30 to 50 per cent, retirement at 62 years, besides other benefits as discussed with the Government in the past.
Among others, general secretary Harapriya Swain, Pravin Das, Bishnupriya Jena, Mamtaj Khuntia, Malaya Manjari Jena, Soudamini Das and Laxmipriya Mohapatra were present.