Fri Oct 24 21:43:31 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article based on the provided text, maintaining an Indian perspective and journalistic tone:

Headline: Anganwadi Workers in Karnataka to Strike Over Gratuity Rights

Bengaluru, October 25, 2025: Anganwadi workers in Karnataka are set to stage a major protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru starting November 6th, demanding the implementation of gratuity payments for long-serving employees. The Joint Action Committee of the Karnataka State Anganwadi Workers’ Union announced the strike, highlighting a long-standing grievance regarding retirement benefits.

The core demand revolves around extending gratuity benefits to all Anganwadi workers and helpers who have served continuously since 1975 and have retired since 2011-12, in accordance with the Payment of Gratuity Act 1972 and a Supreme Court verdict.

Speaking at a press conference, M. Jayamma, the union’s general secretary, emphasized the significance of the Supreme Court’s ruling on April 25, 2022, which affirmed the eligibility of Anganwadi workers and helpers under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) to receive gratuity. She argued that despite performing full-time work, Anganwadi workers are not receiving adequate salaries and benefits.

“Anganwadi workers are the backbone of our early childhood development programs,” stated Ms. Jayamma. “Their work is not part-time in nature, but they are not being compensated fairly for their dedication. The government’s definition of ‘salary’ should rightly include the remuneration they receive, making them eligible for gratuity.”

The union is critical of the government’s current policy of providing gratuity only to those retiring after 2023. They insist on a modification to include all workers who joined the service from 1975 onwards and retired since 2011-12. The strike threatens to disrupt critical childcare services across the state if the government does not address the workers’ demands. This action underscores the ongoing struggle of Anganwadi workers for fair compensation and recognition of their vital role in community development.

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