Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi (SM)
Pics by Hemanath Padubidri

Udupi, Nov 6: Members of the Karnataka State Anganwadi Workers Sangha staged a protest  demanding a monthly minimum salary of Rs 10,000 for teachers and Rs 8,000 for helpers and for regularizing their services, at Tiger Circle on Monday November 5.

Shouting slogans and holding placards, the workers said that they were upset as the Rs 4,500 honorarium that they are getting now is toolittle for the work they do. When the timing was increased from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, they were promised a hike in the salary.

“The payment is also not regular. Salaries have been pending for two months begining from July which they should release at the earliest”, they demanded.

"From May 1 to May 30, there will be water deficiency in all anganwadis so they should be shut down temporarily. Housing facilities for the employees must also be granted", they appealed.

Apart from demanding employment benefits such as ESI, PF and pension, the protestors said they were also upset about the increasing cases of child malnutrition and they put forward the pathetic condition of a kid who had wait till 4 pm without food because the rice supply had been stopped for the past two months.

The supply of packaged food to children through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme has also been stopped.

"Women and child welfare have been neglected", said the women. "The substitute of moong dal on a daily basis is causing a stomach upset among the children", they complained.

G R Shiva Shankar (Anganwadi Workers Sangha member), Leelavathi K (president), Usha K (secretary) and Geetha Pangala were present.