New Delhi, July 18 (UNI) Anganwadi workers in the Capital are up in arms against ''denial entitlements'' normally granted to male workers. The workers have become the principal cadre for delivery of social welfare and healthcare for children and women from the poor and weaker sections.

Anganwadi workers under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) are yet to be given the status of employees and are officially designated as 'voluntary' social workers, the CITU- affiliated All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers pointed out.

Interacting with reporters, Federation members said the workers were not even being paid minimum wage. A meagre Rs 700 a month is paid to helpers while workers get Rs 1,500 per month, they said.

Protesting the recent government order on retirement of workers above 60 years, they pointed out that as voluntary social workers they should be allowed to continue. Anganwadi workers who retire, should however be entitled to some social security benefits, they added.

''When Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who too are over 60, can work, why are Anganwadi workers being denied their rights?'' asked a worker.

The Federation has decided to hold a demonstration on the issue here on Thursday. They would also submit their charter of demands to the Chief Minister.

UNI XC YA DB1848