Odisha Anganwadi Workers Announce Indefinite Strike from Nov 23 Over Unmet Demands
Bhubaneswar: The All Odisha Anganwadi Ladies Workers Association, affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), has announced an indefinite statewide cease-work strike from November 23, alleging that the state government has failed to address several long-pending demands.
The decision was taken during an executive committee meeting held on November 12, where association leaders resolved to intensify their agitation after repeated appeals and protests reportedly yielded no concrete results.
According to the association, Anganwadi workers and helpers across Odisha will participate in the strike until their demands are addressed.
The workers stated that despite playing a crucial role in implementing maternal and child welfare programmes, nutrition services, and pre-school education, they continue to face inadequate remuneration and lack of social security benefits.
Among their primary demands is recognition as regular government employees, along with a monthly remuneration of ₹30,000 for Anganwadi workers and ₹15,000 for helpers.
The association has also sought implementation of gratuity benefits in line with Supreme Court directives and fulfilment of welfare promises made during recent elections.
Other demands include withdrawal of annual performance reviews for workers above 55 years of age, extension of service by two years beyond the retirement age of 60, retirement assistance packages, removal of age restrictions for promotions, and financial support to families of workers who die while in service.
The association had earlier organised demonstrations outside the Odisha Legislative Assembly and staged district-level protests to press for its demands.
With no breakthrough in discussions, the proposed strike is expected to impact Anganwadi services across the state if an amicable solution is not reached before November 23.
