Tura, Sept 8: Around 2,500 Anganwadi workers from across the Garo Hills on Monday staged a massive sit-in-protest at Matchakolgre LP School in Tura demanding immediate withdrawal of the Face Recognition System (FRS) for accessing take-home rations and other government benefits.

The protestors argued that while digitisation is important, making facial recognition mandatory has caused hardship for poor and vulnerable families, especially those in remote areas with poor internet connectivity or technical access.

The workers also raised concerns about the increased pressure and harassment faced by Anganwadi workers over FRS compliance.

They insisted that beneficiaries should not be denied their nutritional entitlements due to technical or biometric issues.

During the demonstration, the Anganwadi workers announced that they will also submit memorandums to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Member of Parliament Saleng Sangma, urging them to take immediate action.

In addition to the FRS issue, the protestors listed several key demands:

Stop the supply of substandard Take Home Ration (THR) and instead provide hot, cooked meals or quality dry grain packets.

Implement gratuity benefits for Anganwadi workers as per the Supreme Court’s April 2022 order, which recognizes them as **full-time workers.

Provide benefits such as pay scales, dearness allowance (DA), gratuity, pension, and provident fund (PF), similar to Class III and IV government employees.

Implement a pension scheme of ₹10,000 per month for retired Anganwadi workers.

Approve new Anganwadi centres in urban areas with populations above 1,000 and in remote areas, regardless of population limits.

Declare a full one-month summer vacation due to rising heat, and ensure dry ration is provided during this period.

Provide tablets (Tabs) to all Anganwadi Centres to help manage digital apps and reporting.

Implement Bima Yojana (insurance scheme) for all Anganwadi workers at the project level and ensure it is monitored properly.

The workers urged both state and central authorities to treat their demands with urgency and seriousness, as their work is essential for the health and development of lakhs of children and women across the region.

Also Read: Adelbert Nongrum, Assembly-o uko suspend ka·anina sing·doataniko dakata

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