Bengaluru
Anganwadi workers, organized under the Karnataka Anganwadi Workers Association, took to the streets in both Bengaluru and Hubballi, demanding that the state government address their pressing concerns. In Bengaluru, protesters gathered at Freedom Park, advocating for increased wages for Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs). During the Assembly election campaign in Belagavi, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had promised to enhance the compensation packages for Anganwadi workers and helpers. Specifically, the demands included raising the salaries of AWWs to Rs 15,000 and AWHs to Rs 10,000. Furthermore, retired Anganwadi workers were seeking Rs 3 lakh in benefits, while retired helpers were requesting Rs 2 lakh. Additionally, protesters were concerned about the government’s decision to introduce pre-primary classes in government schools. The Education Department had previously issued a circular announcing the launch of pre-primary classes in 262 government schools throughout the state. However, the demonstrators expressed apprehensions that these pre-primary schools, along with the government’s planned childcare centers, might negatively impact their roles and livelihoods. Meanwhile, in Hubballi, Anganwadi workers staged a parallel protest in front of the Mini Vidhana Soudha, reiterating their demands to the government. The collective action in both cities underscores the urgency of the issues faced by Anganwadi workers, who play a crucial role in early childhood education and nutrition programs across Karnataka.
