Anganwadi workers press for regularisation, LKG-UKG at centres
Anganwadi workers from Mysuru district on Friday staged a protest in support of their long-pending demands, including the regularisation of the services of 15,000 anganwadi
Anganwadi workers from Mysuru district on Friday staged a protest in support of their long-pending demands, including the regularisation of the services of 15,000 anganwadi workers and 10,000 helpers across the State. Responding to the Karnataka State Anganwadi Workers’ Association’s call to observe ‘Black Day’ on July 10, the protesters accused the State government of ignoring their demands despite repeated representations. The workers urged the government to implement the decision discussed during meetings held on March 23 and 24, and regularise the services of 15,000 anganwadi workers and 10,000 helpers.
They also demanded that LKG and UKG education be brought under anganwadi centres by introducing pre-primary classes in 10,000 anganwadi centres across the State. The protesters sought the implementation of the Early Childhood Care, Education and Development programme for children aged 3–6 years through anganwadi workers. They also demanded the implementation of gratuity benefits for workers who retired after 2011. Other demands included providing adequate infrastructure and essential facilities for children aged 3–6 years, recognising all anganwadi centres catering to children above three years as anganwadi-cum-pre-primary centres, and exempting anganwadi workers from Booth Level Officer duties and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The protesters further demanded the withdrawal of the Poshan Tracker system, reimbursement of mobile data expenses incurred by anganwadi workers, and the provision of sufficient tablets and data packs to facilitate digital services at
all anganwadi centres. They also called for the withdrawal of the mandatory Face Recognition System and e-KYC procedures, besides ensuring the timely supply of essential materials, including nutrition supplements and other items, to anganwadi centres.
The BriefWire