Expressing deep outrage against the state government’s recent measures and dismissal policies targeting grassroot health workers, Anganwadi workers across Odisha have launched a massive wave of opposition.
The All Odisha Anganwadi Workers Association (affiliated with AITUC) has called for a massive, indefinite mass dharna and demonstration in front of the State Assembly on September 30. The union strongly criticised the government’s new directives during a press conference held in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
Opposition to the 55-Year Dismissal Policy
According to the union, a dated 2007 termination circular was revived through a Women and Child Development Department letter (No. 21351) issued on August 3. Under this rule, workers above the age of 55 will face performance reviews. If any discrepancies are found in pre-school education, the Poson Tracker, or digital platform management, workers face dismissal before turning 62. The union has slammed this move as “frightening, undemocratic, and inhumane”.
Digital Glitches and Unpaid Salaries
The union highlighted that heavy workloads are being imposed under the guise of new technology and corruption prevention. Due to technical bugs in the Poson Tracker and FRS (Facial Recognition System) apps, attendance tracking has failed, resulting in months of frozen salaries across many projects. The association has demanded the immediate withdrawal of mandatory digital restrictions and the prompt release of withheld wages.
Unfulfilled Promises and Pending Dues
The union further pointed out that despite pre-election promises by the ruling party to increase allowances, those commitments remain unfulfilled. While the government is heavily publicising a meagre Rs 110 hike for uniforms, allowances for sarees have been stalled for four long years since 2022-23.
Previous agitations had successfully extended service limits to 62 years and retirement benefits to Rs 1 lakh, but the current administration is accused of trying to exert undue pressure on workers. To fight this exploitation, the association has urged all Anganwadi workers and helpers across the state to join the September 30 protest. Key leaders, including Working President Bijaya Jena, General Secretary Harapriya Swain, and Deputy General Secretary Bishnupriya Jena, addressed the press conference and issued a strict warning to the government.
