The State Government on Thursday warned the protesting Anganwadi Workers to withdraw their indefinite strike and immediately resume services or face action.
Women and Child Development Minister Prafulla Samal appealed to the workers to return to their workplaces within three days to restore normalcy in the rural mother and childcare centres, which have remained closed for about 40 long days.
“We have decided to wait till October 20 and see which Anganwadi groups rejoin their work. We will arrange for a mutual discussion with the ones who are not ready to join and after that if they fail to do so, we will appoint other SHGs or give multiple responsibilities to other Angwanwadi Centres,” Samal said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the State Government had hiked the monthly salary of the workers by 50 per cent. Following this, the Anganwadi Workers would get Rs 6,000 per month against Rs 4,000 while the Mini-Anganwadi Workers would be entitled to a salary of Rs 4,125 against the existing Rs 2,750. Similarly, the Anganwadi Helpers would receive Rs 3,000 per month against the current remuneration of Rs 2,000.
The Anganwadi Workers have been on agitation demanding a monthly remuneration of Rs 18,000 and regularisation of their service.
While the Anganwadi Workers owing allegiance to the Biju Shramik Sammukhya have resumed their services after the pay hike announcement by the Chief Minister, many are still protesting the meagre increase in salary.