Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 04 February 2025
Responding to a nationwide call by the All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers & Helpers, the Andaman & Nicobar Anganwadi Workers & Helpers Union (CITU) staged a territory-wide mass demonstration today, protesting against the alleged neglect of their demands in the Union Budget presented on February 1, 2025.
The main protest was held in front of the Directorate of Social Welfare at Goalghar, where a large number of Anganwadi workers and helpers from both urban and rural areas of South Andaman participated.
Inaugurating the protest, B. Chandrachoodan, General Secretary of the CITU State Committee, accused the central government of attempting to suppress workers’ rights through the introduction of four new labour codes. “The Modi government has consistently ignored the legitimate demands of Anganwadi workers and helpers,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, D. Ayyappan, Vice President of the CITU State Committee, criticized the central government for weakening social security schemes by reducing budgetary allocations. He credited the persistent struggles led by CITU-affiliated unions for previous increases in the honorarium for Anganwadi workers and assured continued support for their pending demands.
Geeta Devi, President, and R. Anbukkarsi, General Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Anganwadi Workers & Helpers Union, also addressed the gathering and led the protest. CITU State Committee President R. Surendran Pillai and other CITU leaders attended the programme.
In Mayabunder, the mass demonstration took place in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office and was led by union leaders Rose and Vijayalakshmi. CITU Mayabunder Zonal Committee President K. Muralidharan Pillai and Secretary C. Murugan also participated.
At Baratang, Anganwadi workers gathered in front of the APWD Guest House at Nilambur, where union leaders Johny Uraon and Phuljencia led the protest. CITU State Committee Vice President Danial Aint and Bala Raju from the Baratang Forest Workers Union addressed the demonstrators.
In Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), the protest was organized in front of the office of the Assistant Commissioner. Union leaders Susheela and Sangeetha Ekka led the demonstration, while CITU leader Suben Bachar addressed the participants. Almost all Anganwadi workers and helpers from Swaraj Dweep joined the protest.
The protesting Anganwadi workers demanded better honorarium, job security, and increased budget allocations for social welfare schemes. CITU leaders vowed to continue their support until the workers’ demands are met.