Anganwadi workers in Jashpur warn of statewide strike

Jashpur | Correspondent: In Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur district, Anganwadi workers and assistants have launched a protest to press for their various long-pending demands. Under the banner of the 'Anganwadi Workers-Assistants Joint Forum' (Anganwadi Karyakarta-Sahayika Sanyukt Manch), the workers submitted a memorandum containing five key demands to the District Collector.

The union has made it clear that if the government fails to reach a positive decision on their demands soon, they will initiate an indefinite, state-wide strike a move for which the government will be held entirely responsible.

During the protest, the union’s media in-charge, Nisha Singh, stated that a strategy for the agitation has already been finalized.

As a first phase, protests have been organized at the tehsil level. The movement will subsequently be expanded to the district, divisional, and state levels. Nisha Singh pointed out that despite being responsible for the successful implementation of government schemes at the grassroots level for a long time, they have neither been granted the status of regular employees nor provided with adequate facilities.

The memorandum prioritizes financial security and career advancement. The Joint Forum has demanded a fixed monthly honorarium of ₹30,000 for Anganwadi workers and ₹25,500 for assistants.

Furthermore, they have urged for provisions to promote eligible workers to the position of supervisor, and assistants to the role of Anganwadi worker. The workers expressed their distress, noting that given the current high cost of living, it has become extremely difficult to support their families on their existing, limited honorarium. Consequently, they argue that social security and the regularization of their service have become absolutely essential.