Mangaluru: Anganwadi centers across Karnataka will shut down on January 28 as part of an indefinite strike organized by the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union of Dakshina Kannada district. The protest, titled “Bengaluru Chalo,” will take place at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, demanding fair minimum wages for workers and helpers, announced district president Tara Ballal.
Addressing the media, Tara Ballal highlighted that despite the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme marking 50 years, Anganwadi workers and helpers continue to be denied fair wages. She called for a minimum wage of ₹25,000 for workers and ₹12,000 for helpers, while urging the government to classify workers as ‘C grade’ and helpers as ‘D grade’ employees, following a directive from the Gujarat High Court.
Ballal criticized both central and state governments for failing to acknowledge the significant contributions of Anganwadi workers. “We are overburdened with tasks from multiple departments and receive only an honorarium, not wages. This time, we are resolute in demanding our rights through the Bengaluru Chalo protest,” she asserted.
Around 2,500 workers from Dakshina Kannada are expected to join the protest. Other leaders, including district secretary Ashalatha M.V., state treasurer Vishalakshi, and Bantwal president Vijayavani, emphasized the urgency of these demands at the press conference.
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