Anganwadi Workers Stage Massive Protest in Bhubaneswar with 11-Point Charter of Demands
Bhubaneswar witnessed a massive demonstration on November 24, 2025, as thousands of Anganwadi workers gathered at Lower PMG Square to press for their long-standing demands.
Organized by the All Odisha Anganwadi Ladies Workers Association under the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, the protest highlighted the growing discontent among grassroots childcare workers.
The workers reminded the government that the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) project, which began in 1975 with six services, now delivers nearly 60. Despite this expansion, Anganwadi workers and helpers continue to receive meagre honorariums, leaving many in distress after retirement.
Their 11-point charter demanded recognition as government employees, a monthly honorarium of Rs 18,000 for workers and Rs 9,000 for helpers, fulfilment of election promises with additional allowances, provision of 5G mobile phones and SIM cards for online work, reimbursement of expenses, and an end to exploitation under project-based contracts.
Other key demands included social security coverage, retirement benefits of Rs 10 lakh for workers and Rs 5 lakh for helpers, monthly pensions, gratuity as per Supreme Court directives, 100% promotion to supervisor posts, and inclusion under the Ayushman Bharat health scheme.
State leaders such as Sumita Mahapatra, Ganesh Mishra, Anjali Patel, Badal Kumar Maharana, Prithviraj Panda, Bimala Lakra, Mandakini Pradhan, and Pratima Manjari Kar addressed the gathering, while Association General Secretary Kunjalata Das coordinated the protest.
The rally concluded with a vow from the workers to continue their struggle until the government meets their demands, underscoring the urgency of addressing the welfare of frontline childcare providers.
