Anganwadi Workers of Maharashtra on Strike: Ensure Monthly Salary and Workers’ Rights

Anganwadi workers of Maharashtra have started an indefinite strike from 4th December demanding monthly salary, pension, other rights of workers and proper functioning of the ICDS system. The strike is going on under the leadership of Maharashtra State Anganwadi Workers Kriti Samiti. AICCTU affiliated Pre-Primary Sevaki Anganwadi Workers Federation has participated in the strike in Kolhapur, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Yavatmal districts.

Before the start of the strike, all activities were boycotted throughout the month of November. Strike notices were given to all ICDS project offices by the federation. Subsequently, protest marches were held at Tehsil offices and Charter of demands were submitted to the Tehsildars.  As a part of the strike, the Anganwadi workers marched to the MLAs of the taluks of all the participating districts and submitted charter of demands and strike notices. Majority of the workers of taluks were present in large numbers in the entire process. In Kolhapur district, almost all Anganwadi workers participated in the indefinite protest.

During the winter session of the Maharashtra Assembly at Nagpur, a protest march was held at the Assembly. More than thirty thousand Anganwadi workers participated in the protest march. The government has not responded positively to the demands of Anganwadi workers and a call was given by the protesting workers to continue the strike.

The umbrella platform of the ongoing movement of Anganwadi workers, the Maharashtra State Anganwadi Workers Kirti Samiti has called for an indefinite sit-in on January 3 in Mumbai. The protest will intensify if the Maharashtra Government continues to ignore the demand of Anganwadi workers.