Wed Mar 26 17:20:07 UTC 2025: ## Anganwadi Workers Continue Protest for Higher Pay, Better Benefits

**Thiruvananthapuram, March 26, 2025** – Over 66,000 anganwadi workers and helpers in Kerala are continuing their nine-day protest outside the state Secretariat, demanding better pay, benefits, and recognition as government employees. The workers, affiliated with the Indian National Anganvady Employees’ Federation, are calling for a significant pay hike – to ₹21,000 for workers and ₹18,000 for helpers – from their current honorarium of ₹12,500 to ₹13,000 and ₹8,500 to ₹9,000 respectively. They also demand a one-time payment of their salaries instead of installments, gratuity, pension, and other benefits.

The workers highlight the inadequacy of their current pay, especially considering out-of-pocket expenses for rent, utilities, and food for the children in their care, which are only partially reimbursed. Beyond providing nutritious meals and basic education, they perform a multitude of tasks, including health and nutrition programs for adolescent girls and women, child safety awareness, and government surveys. They also contend with the burden of extensive data entry using provided phones and common application software (CAS), often hampered by poor internet connectivity.

Despite contributing to a welfare fund, retired workers have not received benefits, and extended leave results in the loss of pension. The workers further complain of a lack of travel allowance for official duties. The Federation president, Ajay Tharayil, announced a planned march to the Secretariat on March 29th, to be inaugurated by MP K.C. Venugopal. The protest underscores the crucial role of anganwadi workers in Kerala’s social welfare system and their struggle for improved working conditions and fair compensation.

Read More