THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Anganwadi workers have ended their day-and-night protest in front of the Secretariat. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal assured them that their issues will be studied and resolved within three months. With this assurance, the 13-day-long strike came to an end.

Health Minister Veena George joined the discussion chaired by the Finance Minister through an online platform. A committee will be formed within ten days to study the workers' demands and submit a report within three months. The workers warned that they will organise a stronger strike at the Secretariat if their demands are not addressed within the promised timeline.

The strike, organised by the Indian National Anganwadi Employees Federation, was based on ten demands. These demands include recognition as government employees, raising the minimum wage to Rs. 21,000, payment of wages in one instalment, provision of retirement benefits, and ensuring the quality of food items supplied.

Federation President Ajay Tharayil, Organising Secretary Nandiyod Jeevakumar, Vice President Anna Abraham, Director of Women and Child Development Department Haritha V. Kumar, representatives from INTUC, CITU, STU trade unions, and others participated in the discussions.

Key agreements and actions:

- An honorarium will be provided by the 5th of every month.

- Efforts will be made to pressurise the central government to recognise Anganwadi workers as state employees and increase their honourarium.

- Steps have been initiated to include Anganwadi workers in the Karunya Health Security Scheme.

- Pension arrears until March 31 will be transferred to accounts, and Rs. 37 crore in benefit arrears for pensionable employees will be paid.

- The executive officer will ensure funds for the smooth functioning of Anganwadis. District programme officers have been instructed to oversee this.

- Replacement phones will be given, as the current phones used to record Anganwadi activities are malfunctioning.