Dibrugarh: Hundreds of Anganwadi workers and helpers took part in a protest at Makum in Tinsukia district on Thursday, demanding recognition as regular govt employees with proper wages instead of honorarium.The protest was part of a statewide demonstration by the Assam State Anganwadi Workers and Helpers’ Association (ASAWHA), expressing strong dissatisfaction over what they termed as neglect in the Union Budget 2026–27.The demonstration highlighted the alleged deprivation of frontline workers operating under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), now redesignated as PM Poshan-2.The protesters alleged that the budget proposals remain silent on the rights and challenges faced by Anganwadi workers and helpers, despite their crucial role in delivering essential services at the grassroots level.“The total allocation of Rs 23,100 crore for Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2 for 2026–27 is expected to support nearly 8 crore children, 2 crore pregnant women, close to 26 lakh Anganwadi workers and helpers, and maintain over 14 lakh Anganwadi centres across the country. This allocation is insufficient given the scale of responsibility, infrastructure needs, and human resources involved,” an ASAWHA representative said.They added Anganwadi functionaries deliver six essential services at the grassroots level, contributing significantly to the nutritional and health foundation of children and mothers across the country.“Although the ICDS scheme has completed over 50 years, the workers engaged under it continue to remain neglected. We are demanding proper wages, not honorarium, and recognition as regular govt employees,” another protester said.The association acknowledged that Assam govt increased the honorarium from Oct 2025 following sustained agitation, but claimed the hike has failed to provide real financial relief due to rising market prices.Under the Oct 2025 revision, Anganwadi workers’ monthly incentive was increased by Rs 1,500, raising the total from Rs 6,500 to Rs 8,000, while Anganwadi helpers’ monthly incentive was increased by Rs 750, raising the total from Rs 3,250 to Rs 4,000.“The increase looks substantial on paper, but with the current inflation and rising costs of essential commodities, it provides little real relief to workers who are already struggling to make ends meet,” another ASAWHA member said.The protesters demanded that central govert recognise their service and grant them regular employee status with corresponding benefits, including provident fund, pension, and other welfare measures enjoyed by govt employees.
