Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jul 12: Karnataka State Anganwadi Workers’ Association in the district samiti affiliated to the Center of Indian Trade Unions staged a protest in front of DC office Rajathadri, Manipal here on Monday July 11 to fulfill the year long demands.

Susheela Nada, district committee secretary addressing the protestors said, "The union government had reduced the budgetary allocation for the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) by 50 per cent in 2015-16."

She also added, "The government should convert all Anganwadi Kendras into day care centers and make a separate directorate for ICDS."

"The anganwadi workers are struggling to earn a living and so should be made all permanent employees. Teachers should be considered third division employees and helpers as fourth division employees."

"To become a full time employee rules for promotion must be made liberal. The government has to provide all the government benefits such as gratuity, pension, future fund and medical facilities."

"Effective guidelines must be framed for recruiting anganwadi assistants which should be implemented effectively."

Anganwadi workers’ committees must be set up at the state and district level for addressal of problems and to find solutions.

Geetha Shetty, district committee president, B Ashalata Shetty, treasurer and others were present.