Tension gripped Rajsamand district as Anganwadi workers, fed up with low wages and no pension, staged a vociferous protest at the collectorate. Backed by Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, the women – numbering in hundreds – submitted a strongly worded memorandum to the Chief Minister via the District Collector, warning of center shutdowns if ignored.
For years, these dedicated workers have shouldered immense responsibilities across six government departments, managing everything from malnutrition drives to immunization camps. In return? A paltry Rs 4,500 honorarium, no equipment, and retirement without a safety net.
‘Permanent jobs, not temporary honorariums! Fixed hours and fair pay are our right,’ declared Kavita Bairagi amid chants. Manju Kanwar added fuel, slamming the budget for neglecting them: ‘Rs 18,000 minimum or salaried status with pension – anything less is oppression.’
The protest underscores a national crisis in Anganwadi staffing, where over a million workers nationwide face similar plight. In Rajasthan, repeated pleas to the government have fallen on deaf ears, fueling this ‘all-out fight’ vow.
As deadlines loom, the stakes are high: locked centers mean halted meals and health services for vulnerable kids. This could snowball into statewide action, pressuring authorities to rethink policies. The women’s unyielding spirit signals change is overdue.