BENGALURU, 28 JAN

Freedom Park became the epicentre of a massive protest on Tuesday, as thousands of Anganwadi workers and helpers from across the State gathered to voice their grievances. In an indefinite protest, ‘Bengaluru Chalo’, the workers are demanding the implementation of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme and fair wages for their services.

They are also asking for recognition as government employees, access to healthcare and pensions, and relief from additional departmental work.

"My house rent is Rs 6,000 and my husband earns Rs 10,000 as a labourer. With our children’s school fees, it is impossible to survive on my Rs 6,500 honorarium," Bhagyamma, an Anganwadi helper from Tumakuru told Salar News.

The Anganwadi workers are prepared to bear the scorching sun and biting cold of the City. While the association has taken care of their food, many workers are concerned as the 22-acre Freedom Park has only nine toilets in usable condition, out of ten.

Anganwadi workers and their helpers are typically women from poor families. The government offers essential services such as supplementary nutrition, preschool education and healthcare to children under six, as well as pregnant and lactating mothers across the State, through Anganwadi centres. Despite their pivotal role in implementing these government initiatives, Anganwadi workers and helpers receive minimal pay, Rs 11,500 and Rs 6,500, often labelled as an "honorarium" rather than a salary.

"We need to be recognised as C and D grade employees, like in Gujarat, and receive at least Rs 25,000 for workers and Rs 12,000 for helpers," said D Prema, State President of the Anganwadi Workers’ Association. "We will continue our protest until the government accepts our demands. At least 10,000 workers will join us by the end of the day," she added.

Many workers criticised the dual burden placed upon them. "Apart from our regular duties, we are tasked with implementing schemes such as Matru Purna and Matru Vandana. The government treats us as free labour," said Sushilamma, a worker with 40 years of experience in Dakshina Kannada. Others like Shivaleela from Kadaba taluk recounted their sacrifices during the Covid-19 pandemic. "We worked tirelessly, even when unwell, and some of our colleagues lost their lives to the virus," she said.

According to the Women and Child Development Ministry, the State has 61,876 Anganwadi workers, of which 15,000 have completed PU-II, 6,363 are degree holders, and 1,682 have postgraduate qualifications. Despite this, they remain underpaid and overworked.

As Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar is still recovering from injuries she suffered in a car accident near Ambadgatti on 14 January, a representative from the Ministry arrived at the Freedom Park and assured them that their proposal would be taken up. However, workers were sceptical. "We need action, not just assurances," said district president Tara Ballal.

The Anganwadi workers had held a similar protest in 2023 January and withdrew after 10 days following a promise from the then minister Halappa Achar. In December 2023, the wages of Anganwadi workers and helpers with more than ten years of service were increased by Rs 1,000. Those who had fewer years of service received a hike of Rs 500.