Anganwadi workers hold protest in Shimla

Thousands of Anganwadi workers from across the state staged a massive protest here today, demanding a salary hike and gratuity payments. The workers gathered near the Talland area before marching toward the Himachal Pradesh State Secretariat, chanting slogans along the way.

Addressing the gathering, Usha Rani, general secretary of the Helpers Union, lamented that despite playing a crucial role in the successful implementation of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) project for years, workers continue to be deprived of social security, dignified wages and basic facilities.

During the protest, a union delegation met with Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dhani Ram Shandil to submit a memorandum of their demands. Minister Shandil assured the delegation that workers would receive gratuity benefits and agreed to double their annual mobile recharge allowance from Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000. Furthermore, he promised to form a committee — which would include the union’s general secretary — to oversee the distribution of new smartphones to workers.

Discussions were also held regarding increasing the honorarium of workers and helpers to match Haryana’s model, a demand the minister promised to consider. Addressing operational expenses, Shandil stated that payments for fuel, vegetables, electricity and material transportation would be cleared monthly to ease financial constraints on workers.

Additionally, both parties agreed to meet on July 20 and 21 to discuss long-term issues like EPF, pensions and broader social security. While the union welcomed the minister’s assurances, they warned of a massive mass movement if concrete action is not taken to fulfil their demands.