New Delhi: Demanding the fulfillment of their decades-long grievances, Anganwadi workers from across the country are set to launch a massive protest in the national capital, Delhi, starting tomorrow (April 21).

Three-Day Agitation

A sit-in strike (Dharna Satyagraha) will be held for three consecutive days from April 21 to April 23 in front of Delhi’s historic Jantar Mantar. The protesters are demanding the implementation of a minimum wage and the regularization of their services.

Key Demands of Anganwadi Workers

Anganwadi workers, who play a crucial role in delivering various government schemes to every household, have placed the following demands before the government:

Job Regularization: Anganwadi workers should be officially recognized as Grade 'C' and Grade 'D' employees of the government service, and their positions should be made permanent.

Minimum Wage: Instead of the current honorarium system, a scientifically determined minimum wage must be implemented.

Pension and Gratuity: Gratuity benefits should be provided immediately to retired staff, and a monthly pension system must be introduced to ensure financial security after retirement.

Health Security: Workers and their families should be allowed free medical treatment in all hospitals, and a comprehensive health insurance scheme should be launched.

Workload Reduction: Apart from dedicated Anganwadi services, workers should not be deployed for any other additional government tasks.

The Final Struggle

Despite years of protesting for these demands, the government has not yet provided an adequate response. Consequently, the workers are now prepared for what they call a "final struggle." Thousands of workers from various states, including Karnataka, will participate in this protest in Delhi. As a result, Anganwadi services are likely to be disrupted across the country for the next three days.