Anganwadi workers swarm Panchkula, stage protest

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, November 24

Over 1,000 anganwadi workers from across the state took to the roads today to stage a protest against the Haryana Government, demanding a hike in salary, better working conditions and facilities like insurance.

The protesters alleged that they were compelled to stage the protest as the government was not ready to pay heed to their demands even after four months of their agitation.

What protesters want

On March 10, 2018, the state government had assured us of meeting our demands, but nothing has been done in this regard till date. Our key demands include a hike in salary, promotion as supervisors and other facilities like insurance. Jagmati Malik, Senior General Secretary, Anganwadi Workers and Helpers’ Union

The protest march began around noon from their dharna site in Sector 5. The protesters were heading towards the Housing Board light point in an attempt to enter Chandigarh to gherao Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s residence. They were stopped midway on the road separating Sector 7 and 8, but eventually succeeded in reach near the Housing Board light point.

Jagmati Malik, senior general secretary of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers’ Union, Haryana, said, “On March 10, 2018, the state government had assured us of meeting our demands, but nothing has been done in this regard till date. Our key demands include a hike in salary, promotion as supervisors and other facilities like insurance.”

Commuters on way to Chandigarh from Panchkula had to face inconvenience with several prime roads of the district remained closed due to the protest. The road to the Housing Board light point was closed and traffic was diverted via the MDC-Chandigarh road as well as towards the Panchkula railway station.

Sunita, an anganwadi worker from Fatehabad, said, “The funds given by the government for operating the anganwadi centres on rent are not sufficient. We often have to pay from our own pockets. The government seems least bothered about our troubles.”

After several hours of protest, a seven-member group of representatives met the Officer on Special Duty to the CM but the talks remained inconclusive. “The officer told us that he would look into our demands but we want the demands to be met as soon as possible,” said Anupama, general secretary of the union.

The protesters were holding the fort near the light point till the filing of this report.