Anganwadi workers seek regularisation of service, warn of mass movement

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 6

State Committee of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers’ Union, related to the Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU), has demanded the regularisation of services. The members said they would launch a mass movement across the state from September if their demands were not fulfilled. This was decided during the meeting of the committee that was held here today.

During the meeting, CITU state president Vijender Mehra said the workers demand 100 per cent appointment in pre-primary education, removal of the 45-year limit for appointments, recognition of degrees from any accredited university in India for supervisor appointments.

Besides, immediate recruitment of graduate workers as supervisors on seniority-basis, status of government employees, providing salary and seniority benefits similar to Haryana, granting medical and other leave similar to Punjab, increasing retirement age to 65 and upgrading all mini-anganwadi centres to full centres.

He said the workers also demand appropriate financial assistance for uniforms, mobile recharge and stationery facilities.

“Incentives should be provided for election duties, vacant positions for anganwadi workers and helpers should be filled immediately and workers should be paid extra for additional work,” he said.

They also urged that workers be given the responsibility for pre-primary classes and teaching young children under the new education policy, as they were well-trained and their salaries be increased and regularised.

After the meeting, a delegation of the union met the Director of the Women and Child Development Department and submitted a 30-point memorandum regarding their demands. The Director assured that the demands would be resolved promptly.