Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (PH)

Udupi, Dec 4: Karnataka State Anganawadi Employees Association (R), (CITU), Udupi district conducted a protest march from the service bus stand, here to Martyrs Memorial, Ajjarakadu regarding the commencement of LKG and UKG education in Anganwadi.

A public meeting after the protest march was held on Wednesday December 4 at the Martyrs Memorial, Ajjarakadu, here.

K Shankar, district leader of CITU addressed the Anganwadi workers saying, "On December 10, a programme will be conducted in Tumkur where 30,000 Anganwadi workers from different district communities which will be followed by a walk march to Bengaluru. This is a women's protest. Anganwadi employees are seeking permission from the government for LKG and UKG education to be provided in the respective Anganwadi centers. The government must respond to their request and ensure that the problem is solved soon. Anganwadi employees must be provided with the basic minimum salary of Rs 21,000 and their pension amount must be raised. Their jobs are not secure which is a major problem. Hence, the government must secure their jobs."

Speaking on the occasion, Yamuna Gaonkar, state secretary of Anganwadi Employees Association (R) said, "Anganwadi employees are carrying problems for which they are not responsible. We work from morning to evening, return home and work there as well. We dedicate our complete energy when we are at the Anganwadi. We treat children in school as our children, but the government is neglecting us and our demands. No facilities are provided to us and hence this protest is taking place. Not only in Karnataka, but throughout the nation, there are 28 lac anganwadi employees and all are facing similar problems. Anganwadi employees are skilled and they play a vital role in the child's growth and development and hence the government must allow the anganwadis to start LKG and UKG education. The government passed a circular stating that children from 3-6 years are to join Karnataka Public School in Bengaluru where education is provided in English. CITU protested against this as Kannada, the vernacular language was ignored by the government.

"The government must provide a basic salary of Rs 21,000 to the Anganwadi employees, increase their pension and also secure their jobs.

"The present retirement schemes must be changed and LIC based PF and pension must be provided."

More than 200 anganwadi employees participated in the protest. Kaviraj, CITU taluk samiti secretary, members of the association Prema, Vani, Ambika, Pushpa, Pramila were present at the protest.