Anganwadi workers continue stir against privatisation of centres

The ongoing dharna by anganwadi workers and assistants, who are protesting the taking over of anganwadi centres by the Vedanta Foundation, entered the third day in Bagepalli on Wednesday.

Addressing the protesters in front of the taluk Child Development Project Office here, Centre for Indian Trade Union (CITU) leader Venkatesh Babu said the job security of anganwadi workers and assistants has been threatened with the government handing over the anganwadi centres to Vedanta Foundation.

The government should withdraw its decision in this regard as the private agency cannot effectively manage anganwadi centres. “If government fails to act, we will intensify the stir in the coming days,” Babu said.

CITU leader Mustafa and anganwadi workers’ union leaders Vijaya Bharathi, Rathnamma, Venkatalakshamma and others were present on the occasion.

Second day

In Chikkaballapur, the agitation by anganwadi workers and assistants entered the second day on Wednesday. Anganwadi workers, assistants and CITU activists participated in the dharna held in front of the CDPO office in the town.

Karnataka State Anganwadi Workers’ Federation has welcomed the government’s decision to handover anganwadi centres to Vedanta Foundation.

Chikkaballapur district secretary of the Federation N S Sunderraj said anganwadi children will get better facilities once the private agency takes over the maintenence of these centres.