Thousands of anganwadi workers and helpers hit the streets on Monday demanding increased salaries, the government-employee tag, revision in midday meal price and other emoluments.

This was the second big rally in Bhubaneswar after the one by the women Mission Shakti members.

“We are doing all sorts of work, from immunisation to disbursement of salaries, and we are checking and updating the KYC list. We also cook food under the midday meal scheme. But we are being paid only ₹10,000. We work 24 hours. We have been considered as the backbone of the government in rural areas. But why should we not be paid a little more?” asked Puspalata Rath, an anganwadi member.

While anganwadi workers get ₹10,000 per month, a helper gets ₹7,000 per month. A helper assists anganwadi workers and cooks food at the anganwadi centre. The anganwadi workers demand a salary of ₹26,000 and helpers ₹13,000 per month.

Rath said: “We are cooking food and giving it to the children below the age of six in the anganwadi centre. According to the rule, we are supposed to give 12 eggs to a child per month. But the cost of an egg is ₹8 and we are being given ₹5 per egg only. Where will we get the money? We have to face the wrath of the villagers for failing to provide 12 eggs per month. Everybody needs to understand this.”

The anganwadi workers and helpers held the protest under the banner of the All Odisha anganwadi Ladies Workers Association.

The anganwadi workers also maintained that under the midday meal scheme, each meal costs around ₹10. “But we are given ₹5.64 to prepare the meal. Considering the price rise, is it possible to serve hot cooked meal at this price? We have to spend money to prepare the midday meal at the anganwadi centre. We don’t want to cheat our children,” said another anganwadi worker.

The anganwadi worker reminded that the BJP, in its election manifesto, had promised to hike their salaries.

“It has been almost six months, but the salary is yet to be hiked,” said another anganwadi worker.

They also demanded new mobile phones. “The earlier government had given 2G mobile sets. It’s not working. We need a new mobile set with 4G facilities. The state government used to give us ₹200 per month for mobile recharge. It has now been stopped. The mobile recharge fees should also be given,” an anganwadi workers said.

Odisha deputy chief minister Pravati Parida said: “We are only a six-month-old government. Let the agitators discuss their issues with the government first and then hit the streets.”