Anganwari staff court arrest in Karnal, demand pay hike

Tribune News Service

Karnal, January 12

Amid a surge in Covid cases, the safety protocol went for a toss as hundreds of anganwari workers and helpers today protested and staged a dharna outside the mini secretariat before courting arrest after a ‘jail bharo’ call given by the state body. The buses were made temporary jail and they were released after some time.

The protesting workers raised the issue of increasing wages by Rs 1,500 of workers and by Rs 750 of helpers per month as promised by the government in 2018.

Rupa Rana, vice-president of Anganwari Workers and Helpers Association, said that over 50,000 workers and helpers have been staging protest for the past 36 days across the state to press for their demands, but the government is not paying heed to them.

Madhu Sharma, district secretary, said that the government should implement the hiked wages. She said Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had promised to give status of skilled and unskilled workers to anganwadi workers and helpers, respectively, in 2018, but to no avail. He had also promised dearness allowance, but it has not been fulfilled. Speakers said the government had now been creating hurdles in the promotion of worker to supervisor which would not

be accepted. —

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.