PATNA: More than 100 anganwadi and Asha (accredited social health activists) workers on Thursday staged a march in support of their 15-point charter of demands, including pay hike.The protesters blocked road near Udyog Bhawan and shouted slogans in support of their demands. They later submitted a memorandum listing their demands to Patna DM Kumar Ravi. Protests were also organized by the anganwadi and Asha workers in Nalanda, Gopalganj, Rohtas, Jamui, Saran, Aurangabad and Buxar districts.An Asha worker, Purnima Devi, said she had been working like a “bonded worker” for the last 12 years. “The state government deputes us for healthcare, various government schemes, awareness programmes, election duty and preparation of birth and death records. However, we receive only Rs 3,000 per month. The government should increase our wage,” she added.Another ASHA worker said the state government had not increased their wages for the last 10 years. “It has become difficult for us to sustain due to skyrocketing prices of essential commodities these days,” she added.Kavita Kumari, an anganwadi worker, said those who have completed 10 years in service should be regularized and their wages enhanced. “If our demands are not fulfilled soon, we will intensify our protest,” she said.The Centre had recently increased the remuneration of anganwadi workers from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,500 per month. Mini anganwadi workers’ pay had been hiked from Rs 2,250 to Rs 3,500 and anganwadi helpers’ remuneration from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,250 per month.

Stay updated with all the Latest Patna headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.