Ranchi: Anganwadi sevika-sahayikas have launched an indefinite dharna in front of Raj Bhavan, pressing for their key demands under the banner of Jharkhand Pradesh Anganwadi Workers Union. The union has warned that the protest will continue until their demands are met. A delegation has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
The union highlighted that Anganwadi centres began on October 2, 1975, and today around 26 lakh workers operate across India, including 36,500 in Jharkhand. Despite decades of service, they have not been granted permanent employee status or retirement benefits.
The union is demanding recognition as government employees, a one-time retirement benefit of ₹5 lakh, a regular pension, and an increase in monthly honorarium. They also seek protection against arbitrary dismissal for those with over ten years of service and implementation of gratuity as per Supreme Court orders. Other demands include resolving issues with the nutrition tracker (FRS) at the panchayat level and exemption from BLO duties.