Bhubaneswar, Nov. 24 -- Nearly 50,000 Anganwadi workers and helpers from across Odisha staged a protest at Lower PMG Square in Bhubaneswar on Monday, pushing an 11-point charter of demands that seeks higher salaries, monthly pensions, and recognition as government employees.

Sources reported that the protesters called for immediate implementation of revised pay, including Rs 18,000 for Anganwadi workers and Rs 9,000 for helpers, along with service benefits at par with regular staff under the state administration. They insisted that their roles should be formally upgraded in line with the National Education Policy.

"We are asking to be recognised as teachers under the National Education Policy," one of the protesters said.

Reports added...