Retired anganwadi workers seek gratuity

Mangaluru: The Retired Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Association has demanded that all anganwadi workers and assistants, who retired from 2011 should be given gratuity as per the Supreme Court directive. The association's Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district unit has sent a request to chief minister Siddaramaiah, urging the govt to fulfil their demand.

The association members stated that the anganwadi workers have played a pivotal role in reaching out govt schemes to women and children across the state. However, the govt has not recognised anganwadi workers in the state. On the plight of retired anganwadi workers and assistants, the association said they are finding it difficult to eke out a living without any benefit from the govt.

Based on the Supreme Court's direction, the minister of women and child development directed the release of gratuity for the retired workers and assistants. However, the govt has released the gratuity amount only to those who retired after April 2023.

Association president Leelavathi said that the govt should release the gratuity amount to all those who retired since 2011 as per the Supreme Court's direction. "The govt has been ignoring the concerns of those who retired after 2011 and are deprived of govt benefits. How will they find alternative jobs after 60 years, and what is the solution for their health issues? None of the departments for which they worked have shown concern towards them. The govt, which has introduced schemes for the benefit of women, should try to understand the problems of those retired anganwadi workers and assistants," she added.