Union demands relief, job for kin of deceased anganwadi worker

The Anganwadi Workers’ and Helpers’ Union, affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), has expressed serious concern over the death of an on-duty anganwadi worker and demanded compensation for her family and security for frontline staff.

The union submitted a memorandum to the District Programme Officer yesterday. On December 23, anganwadi worker Harsha, posted at Anganwadi Centre Mat-1 under Tarna circle, was on her assigned Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation (IPPI) duty. While visiting a house, she reportedly slipped and fell and received serious injuries. Hasha was taken to Zonal Hospital, Mandi, from where doctors referred her to PGI, Chandigarh. She died on way to PGI.

The union demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation for the kin of the deceased and government job for one family member. The memorandum also highlighted the lack of adequate safety measures for the anganwadi workers and helpers, who routinely perform field duties under difficult and risky conditions.

The CITU urged the administration to ensure proper facilities, safety arrangements and insurance coverage for the anganwadi workers engaged in such duties, so that their families receive financial protection in case of accidents or emergencies.

Union district secretary Sudarshan, members Radha, Veena, Kanta, Halya, along with CITU district unit general secretary Rajesh Sharma, were among those present on the occasion.

The union warned that if their demands are not met promptly, they would be compelled to intensify their struggle to secure justice for the deceased worker and seek better protection for anganwadi employees.

The NHM Contract Employees Union, Mandi, also expressed grief over the death of the anganwadi worker. The union conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and urged the state government to provide appropriate compensation, stating that all NHM employees stand with the family in this difficult time.