On Monday, hundreds of Anganwadi workers and helpers from Himachal Pradesh staged a protest outside the state Secretariat, demanding essential benefits such as gratuity, pension, and Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) coverage. Organized by the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union, the demonstration highlighted the longstanding neglect faced by these workers, who contribute significantly to child welfare and community health services. Union Vice-President Sudarshana Sharma emphasized that after decades of service, many workers retire without any financial security, receiving only a letter from the government. The union is advocating for the implementation of gratuity benefits similar to those provided in Kerala, as well as pension and EPF support. Sharma warned that if their demands are not met, the workers will escalate their protests. The union is calling for immediate discussions with the state government to establish a roadmap for these benefits, as approximately 36,000 Anganwadi workers in the state face financial vulnerability without adequate support.