Dehradun, Nov 9 (PTI) Congress’ Uttarakhand unit on Monday extended support to Anganwadi workers protesting in the state for an increase in their honorarium and a retirement benefit of Rs 10 lakh.
The development came on a day Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that the honorarium for Anganwadi workers and assistants will be increased from December 1, 2026, though he did not specify the details.
Abhinav Thapar, state president of the Social Media Department of Uttarakhand Congress Committee, on Monday joined the ongoing protest by Anganwadi workers, helpers and Mini-Anganwadi Staff Association at Gandhi Park in Dehradun and extended his support to their demands.
“It is deeply unfortunate and shameful that even on a significant day like the Uttarakhand State Foundation Day the women of the state are compelled to sit on a protest at Gandhi Park to press for their legitimate demands,” said Thapar.
“While the Dhami government is willing to spend thousands of crores on its own publicity and self-promotion, it finds no time to address the grievances of those women who, for years, have been shouldering the vital responsibility of overseeing women and child development, nutrition, and shaping the future of children,” Thapar said.
Anganwadi workers are demanding that the state government increase their daily honorarium by Rs 140, while also submitting a proposal to the central government for an additional increase of Rs 150 per day.
The second demand is that a Government Order should be issued to provide financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to Anganwadi workers upon their retirement, without any additional qualification requirements.
Anganwadi workers said that until this order is issued, the proposed monthly deduction of Rs 300 from their accounts or a revised retirement scheme should not be implemented.
“The government must realise that respecting women is not achieved merely through speeches from a stage or by organising grand events; rather, it requires ensuring their rights and financial security,” Thapar said. PTI SPY RT
RT
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.