Aanganwadi workers stage protest in city

During the protest in Ludhiana on Thursday.

Demanding immediate release of rent amount of centres,  regularisation of their jobs, monthly pension and increase in their monthly allowance, the aanganwadi workers of Ludhiana protested on Thursday against the state and central governments. “For seven months the government has not released rent amount of Rs 2,500 per month,” said Subhash Rani, district president,  Aanganwadi Employees’ Union (CITU). “We get a salary of Rs 5,000 per month out of which we are paying Rs 2,500 rent of centres from our pockets. Is it possible to survive on Rs 2,500?”

High drama was witnessed during the protest when police did not allow workers to block the road near Simlapuri canal and then gates of the child development office were locked and workers were not allowed to enter the office. They also demanded that the government should provide them with a building from where they can carry out their operations.

In Ludhiana district, there are 2,401 aanganwadi centres having approximately 4,800 employees, including helpers and workers. The workers get Rs 3,000 from the Centre and Rs 2,000 from Punjab.