Why do Anganwadi staff take to streets?

Anganwadi workers in Andhra Pradesh are yet again on a warpath against the Chandrababu Naidu government, demanding an increase in salary and retirement benefits. Their attempt to take out ‘Chalo Assembly’ rally in Hyderabad was foiled by police.

• Adamant Chandrababu Naidu incurs their wrath yet again
• Pay them or not, govt should at least pay attention to their woes
• Thousands descend on capital to put pressure on govt
• Demand that Naidu take cue from KCR & hike salary
• Naidu says no, points to precarious financial condition
• But fiscal crisis was no issue while giving fitment to employees

Thousands of Anganwadi workers were taken into custody across the State even before boarding any bus or train across the State. Those, who reached Hyderabad and headed for Assembly, were held at various points and shifted to police stations. The unyielding protesters pledge not to give up until the government concedes their long-pending demands.

Anganwadis play a crucial role in country’s public healthcare system. But it is regrettable that they are grossly underpaid. A worker gets Rs 4, 200 and assistants are paid Rs 2,450 each. Even smaller states like Goa and Pondicherry pay Rs 7,000 per worker. Recently Telangana government enhanced the pay to Rs 7,000 for worker and Rs 4,500 for helpers. In addition to that, a special grant of Rs 1000 is assured for purchases utensils. Contented anganwadis of Telangana paid their gratitude visibly.

Following this, the AP Anganwadis also started demanding a similar package, but the government seems to be not paying any attention. Opposition party YSR Congress Party raised this issue in Assembly. Opposition MLCs flayed the callous attitude of the government. The Left parties and their affiliated outfits extended support. But nothing moved the government. In turn, Chandrababu Naidu asked Anganwadis to be restraint as the financial position of the State is unwell.

Anganwadis staged a similar protest in the united state when Chandrababu Naidu was the Chief Minister. The protest turned violent and many workers were caned and even stomped by horses. This time also the protest was suppressed before it turned violent. Apparently, the protesters were kept at Sundarayya Vignana Kendram and Makhdoom Bhavan, which are the party offices of CPM and CPI respectively.

But is this the end of the episode? Can financial crunch be an excuse for passing over the issue? One should wonder when the AP Chief Minister was liberal enough to declare a huge fitment for other employees, how can he neglect these bottom rung of the system? If the struggle continues to intensify further, the healthcare system of the State, women and child welfare etc would get affected.

By G Balakrishna