# Balasore anganwadi workers protest fitness test for over-55 staff 2026-09-24T05:11:51+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Balasore District Anganwadi Workers' Association has opposed a government order requiring an annual fitness and performance review for anganwadi workers aged 55 and above, warning of a major protest if the decision is not withdrawn. The guideline allows for disengagement if a worker is found unable to perform duties satisfactorily after a notice and hearing process. The association said it will launch an agitation if the government does not reconsider the move. The government letter, addressed to sub-collectors, directs child development project officers (CDPOs) to assess workers on pre-school education, nutrition, health activities, record-keeping, and use of the POSHAN Tracker app. Workers found lacking must receive a notice listing deficiencies and a chance to explain themselves before any removal decision. The Balasore district social welfare officer confirmed receipt of the order and said CDPOs will submit reports to sub-collectors as part of the review process. ## Indian Opinion Analysis Anganwadi workers are frontline functionaries under the central government's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, which reaches 8 crore children and 2 crore pregnant and lactating women across India. The Odisha government operates roughly 72,000 anganwadi centres, staffed mostly by women who earn Rs 8,000-12,000 per month as honoraria. The fitness-review rule mirrors similar age-cap policies introduced in other states such as Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, which faced protests in 2023. The Balasore association's threat of agitation follows a pattern: in August 2024, Odisha's anganwadi workers held a state-wide strike over wage revisions and pension demands. The district administration will now weigh whether to enforce the review or negotiate before the protest deadline the association sets. ## Coverage - odishatv.in Tags: Anganwadi workers, Balasore, Integrated Child Development Services, Odisha, POSHAN Tracker Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/balasore-anganwadi-workers-protest-fitness-test-for-over-55-staff/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/balasore-anganwadi-workers-protest-fitness-test-for-over-55-staff/#story-in-brief