A new order from the Women and Child Welfare Department in Chikkamagaluru Mudigere taluk has made it mandatory to have knowledge of Kannada and Urdu for Anganwadi teacher posts in areas where the Muslim population constitutes 25 per cent. The decision triggered protests from the Karnataka Raksha Vedike (Karve) and the Bharatiya Janata Party, who argued that Kannada should continue to be the dominant language in Karnataka.
The charges were leveled against the government
The groups accused the government of prioritizing Urdu in recruiting minorities and demanded an immediate revocation of the order, while warning that they would protest if Kannada was not prioritized.
How to become an anganwadi worker?
To become an Anganwadi teacher in Karnataka, candidates must first pass the Class 10 or Class 12 examination. Thereafter, they have to apply for the posts of Anganwadi workers when the state government releases recruitment notification. The selection process may include a written test and interview. Successful candidates will participate in a specialized training program focusing on all aspects of child development, health and nutrition. After completing the training, they are appointed to local Anganwadi centers to contribute to the health and education of children and mothers. In this context, Urdu has now become a compulsory course for Anganwadi women in Muslim areas.
