Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Jun 29: Dakshina Kannada district Anganwadi teachers and helpers association conducted an indefinite protest at the zilla panchayath office here on June 29.

Speaking on the occasion Vishalakshi, president of the Dakshina Kannada district Anganwadi teachers and helpers association said, "In 2011 the government increased the working hours of the anganwadi workers by 4 without fixing proper remuneration for the anganwadi employees. On a pilot basis we waited with patience for 2 years but our efforts went unrecognized by the government. Only on November 9, 2013 did four organizations unitedly conduct a state level protest to bring the matter under the notice of the government.

Dakshina Kannada district also supported the protest, but the government did not call us for any discussion till December 2, 2013. We once again began our protest from December 3, 2013 as before keeping the anganwadi centres open till 2 pm. Thereafter, we conducted house visits, sthree shakti meet, mothers meet and other works.

A meeting was held in the directors office on January 10, 2014. At this meeting some of our demands were fulfilled and so the protest was withdrawn. Since we had fulfilled all the important services to the beneficiaries during the protest, it was decided that one and a half months salary would not be deducted. All the districts except Dakshina Kannada paid the salaries.

In Dakshina Kannada, the deputy director suggested that if they get the direction from the center they would pay the withheld salary. In this context, a delegation comprising of the director, MLA J R Lobo and office bearers of our association visited the chief secretary. He directed the deputy director to release the salaries as released by the other districts, but till date they have not paid the withheld salaries.

We will not trouble the beneficiaries during our protest. The centers will be open throughout and looked after by one teacher on one day and a helper the next day. We will protest until we get our pending salaries of one and a half months.

District secretary Chandravathi, vice president, Kavitha Puttur, Dakshina Kannada district Anganwadi teachers and helpers association and others were present.