Anganwadi workers up in arms against the government’s decision to start pre-nursery classes in government schools

Ferozepur, September 25, 2017 : Anganwadi workers in the state are up in arms against the government’s decision to start pre-nursery classes in its schools from next session and today, on a call from All India Aanganwadi Workers and Helpers Union Punjab, the effigies of Chief Minister and other ministers were burnt at Udham Singh Chowk to register their protest for not giving them the pre-primary classes to the Aanganwadi workers. They fear they may lose their jobs if the proposal is implemented.

In fact, the government is afraid of low admission in primary schools. They think numbers will increase if they started enrolling children from age of three. The strength in government schools is not going to increase until they improve quality. Only poor send their children to Aanganwadi centers and government schools.

Addressing the protesters, Balwinder Kaur Lohke Kalan said, it is very unfortunate for not giving the pre-primary classes to the Aanganwadi workers. She said, it is the scheme of the central government and for the last more than four decades, the pre-primary education is being imparted by Aanganwadi workers to 3-6 years children.

She further said that in September 2005, the pre-primary classes were started in the schools under Sarv Sikhiya Abhiyan – SSA and in 2009 it was merged in the Aanganwadi on the plea that same type of services cannot be extended under the two schemes. On these guidelines, the right for pre-primary classes is of Aanganwadi workers and they will continue to fight for their right.

Present among others on this occasion were Charanjit Kaur, Satwinder Kuar, Kuljit Kaur, Seema Rani, Hapinder Kaur and Inderjit Kaur Bareke.