Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 08 August 2023
The Andaman & Nicobar Anganwadi Workers & Helpers Union has taken a significant step towards resolving their demands, resulting in the postponement of the scheduled Mass Demonstration today. The decision follows a productive discussion held with the Director of Social Welfare, A & N Islands, wherein the Union was briefed on the department’s efforts to address their concerns.
Originally, a substantial gathering of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers from Port Blair town and rural South Andaman areas had assembled in front of the Directorate of Social Welfare at Goalghar, Port Blair, geared up for the Mass Demonstration. Leading figures including Geeta Devi, President, R. Anbukkarsi, General Secretary of the Union, and B. Chandrachoodan, General Secretary of the CITU State Committee, were present to represent the Union’s demands.
The meeting with the Director of Social Welfare proved fruitful as the officials addressed the key concerns raised by the Union. Geeta Devi, President of the Union, elaborated on the outcomes of the discussion, highlighting the positive progress made during the meeting. Addressing the Anganwadi staff, B. Chandrachoodan, General Secretary of the CITU State Committee, conveyed his satisfaction with the meeting’s results. He extended his greetings on behalf of the CITU State Committee and assured the Union’s continued support in championing the cause of Anganwadi staff across the islands.
The Union had voiced several demands which formed the crux of the discussions:
1. Implementation of Minimum Wages for Anganwadi Workers & Helpers.
2. Provision of Gratuity for Anganwadi Workers & Helpers as per the Supreme Court’s orders.
3. Declaration of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers as Special Category Government Employees, following examples set by various States and Puducherry.
4. Prompt release of pending honorarium to Anganwadi staff.
5. Clearance of outstanding room rent for Anganwadi Centres.
6. Timely payment of Honorarium to Anganwadi staff.
7. Establishment of a bipartite mechanism to address grievances of Anganwadi Workers & Helpers.
The Union’s decision to postpone the Mass Demonstration underlines the progress achieved through constructive dialogue.