Now Reading: Balasore anganwadi workers protest fitness test for over-55 staff
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Balasore anganwadi workers protest fitness test for over-55 staff
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…
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and performance review for anganwadi workers aged 55 and above, warning of a major protest if the decision is not withdrawn.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.
Source: odishatv.in
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
