Anganwadi workers protests in Bengaluru; demands an increase in wages and regularisation of employment

BENGALURU: A sea of Anganwadi workers from all over Karnataka ­ numbering around 6,000 ­ have occupied the better part of Seshadri Road for the second consecutive day. They are demanding an increase in wages and regularisation of employment.

The day-long protest on Monday and the overnight vigil continued Tuesday after the government took refuge under the model code of conduct ­ for Nanjangud and Gundlupet bypoll ­ and made no announcement.

Muthamma, from Gangavati taluk, perched on a median on the road, saree shielding her head from the harsh sun ­ said she works from 9.30 am to 4 pm, but is paid Rs 6,000.

She spent Rs 450 taking a bus to Bengaluru to join the protest.Chandramma, her companion, has been a cook for 25 years in the same Anganwadi, and for many years, received Rs 2,500 a month.

"We want teachers' salaries to be increased at least to Rs 10,000, and cooks' salaries to be increased to at least Rs 7,500," Muthamma said.

Many protestors were taken to hospitals after they fainted due to heat exhaustion and dehydration. Unlike the garment workers' protest that happened on a similar scale last year, this protest has been peaceful so far.

The protest was organised as a reaction to the state budget, which did not make a provision for their wage-hike. "The chief minister went back on the promise he made, of including it in the budget this year. We cannot wait anymore. It is okay if we sit under the sun, sleep on the street and go without food.We won't move until we get it," Muthamma said.