Sirsi: The Karnataka State Anganwadi Employees Association on Wednesday held a massive protest in front of Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde's office in Sirsi demanding an increase in wages of Anganwadi employees. They also protested against the central govt's move on changing the procedure of Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) and submitted the memorandum in this regard.

The memorandum stated that in the year 1975, ICDS was established for the welfare of children and women, under which the diet foods are given to Newborn babies and pregnant women. The responsibility of this scheme was being carried by Anganwadi employees since then. But, now the central govt has eliminated the planning commission and has modified the policy.

It also stated that since many years there has not been an increase in the salaries of Anganwadi employees and around 28 lakh employees are forced to work under a small amount of wages. The country has a huge number of children and women with lack of nutrition and blood. Also, every year the incidents of deaths of newborn babies too are witnessing in the country. Henceforth, in the memorandum, they demanded not to deduct fund from this scheme, instead asked to allocate more amount for the welfare of children and women. They also urged asked to allocate appropriate funds in the budget of 2018-19.