Anganwadi workers and helpers staged a protest wearing a black badges in front of the Thoothukudi District Collectorate on Friday, condemning the Union government’s alleged move to privatise the anganwadi scheme.

The protest was organised by the Tamil Nadu Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Association. The association’s State vice-president Chandra presided over the demonstration.

A large number of anganwadi workers and helpers from across the district took part and raised slogans urging the Union government to withdraw measures that, they alleged, would weaken the anganwadi scheme in the name of privatisation.

The protesters also pressed for a 16-point charter of demands, including granting government employee status to anganwadi workers and helpers, providing a pension equivalent to half of the last drawn salary along with dearness allowance upon retirement, filling vacancies immediately to ensure the safety and welfare of children, providing a retirement benefit of ₹10 lakh for anganwadi workers and ₹5 lakh for helpers and granting promotions to anganwadi workers after completing after completing 10 years of service.

They urged the government to address their demands and safeguard the anganwadi system.

Published - July 10, 2026 08:57 pm IST