Andhra Pradesh Anganwadi Workers End 42-Day Strike, To Resume Duty Today
Around one lakh Anganwadi workers in Andhra Pradesh called off their 42-day strike and resumed duties on Tuesday following an agreement with the state government over their demands.
The Anganwadi workers had been on strike from December 12 demanding better pay and working conditions, and had continued their protest despite the government invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).
The government has agreed to address 10 of the 11 crucial demands laid out by the Anganwadi workers. As per the agreement, the implementation of salary increments is scheduled for July next year. Life insurance coverage, including a 2-lakh accident insurance policy, will be extended to Anganwadi workers and helpers starting this year. The age limit for the appointment of Anganwadi assistants has been increased from 45 years to 50 years.
Anganwadi workers will be eligible for Travel Allowance (TA) and Dearness Allowance (DA) on a monthly and bi-monthly basis, respectively. The upper age limit for the continued service of Anganwadi workers and helpers has been set at 62 years.
The government has approved end-of-service benefits, providing Rs 1 lakh to Anganwadi workers and Rs 40,000 to helpers who complete 62 years of age in the state.
The state government said that the Anganwadi union leaders showed unity and rejected false incitement by opposition parties to end the strike peacefully.
The government has consistently demonstrated empathy and a commitment that has been extended beyond merely meeting demands, as it actively maintained communication with the Anganwadis throughout the course of the strike. This cooperative stance was reciprocated by Anganwadis who, in due course, acknowledged the attempts made by the opposition parties to politicize the strike and understood the government’s perspective, said Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, Advisor to the government.
Opposition leader and TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu, his son Lokesh, and JSP Chief Pawan Kalyan have regularly made comments aimed at inflaming tensions. The Anganwadis, in a commendable display of wisdom, have chosen to follow the path of prudence by calling off the strike, thereby thwarting divisive attempts, said Education Minister Botcha Satyanarayana.
The Anganwadi workers play a crucial role in providing early childhood education, nutrition, and healthcare services to children and expectant mothers in the state. The striking workers were demanding increased remuneration in line with their responsibilities and improved facilities.
The government’s decision to address most of the workers’ demands is expected to benefit not only the Anganwadi workers but also the communities they serve.
The strike, which lasted for over a month, affected the functioning of Anganwadi centers across the state, disrupting childcare and nutrition programs. The resumption of duties by the Anganwadi workers will ensure that these vital services are restored and the well-being of children and expectant mothers is prioritized.
The successful resolution of the strike highlights the importance of open communication and negotiations between the government and worker unions in addressing crucial issues and reaching mutually beneficial agreements. The state government’s commitment to resolving the demands of the Anganwadi workers reflects its dedication to the welfare of its citizens.
With the strike coming to an end, the focus now shifts to the implementation of the agreed-upon measures and ensuring that the Anganwadi workers receive the benefits they have been promised. The government’s willingness to work towards improving the conditions and remuneration of Anganwadi workers is a positive step towards strengthening the social welfare system in Andhra Pradesh.
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As Anganwadi workers across Andhra Pradesh return to their duties, the state can look forward to the resumption of crucial services that will benefit its most vulnerable populations.
