Anganwadi workers, feeling completely neglected, are marching across the state in protest. Asha activists have been staging agitations since Tuesday. Even volunteers, who have been repeatedly praised by Jagan, are gearing up to go on strike, demanding a salary hike.
They are steadfast in their decision to initiate the strike from the 29th of this month, refusing to participate in the distribution of pensions. Notably, a significant portion of the volunteer system established by Jagan’s government comprises members affiliated with the ruling party.
The volunteers’ discontent with the government has become a prominent topic of discussion, and they are preparing for agitations to press for increased wages. Many volunteers express frustration, asserting that the government does not prioritize their welfare unless they secure employment.
Their primary demand is to be recognized as contract employees rather than volunteers, entitling them to the same job security as Secretariat employees. They are calling for an increase in the honorarium for volunteers from the current Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 18,000. Additionally, they advocate for the integration and classification of volunteers into the Secretariat system based on their qualifications.
