The ongoing protest staged by Anganwadi workers in Andhra Pradesh has now extended into its 23rd day, leading to the closure of over 55,000 Anganwadi centers throughout the state. Commencing on December 12, the strike is a response to the Anganwadi workers' appeal to the Jagan Mohan Reddy government to address their grievances, which encompass requests for a salary hike, enhanced gratuity benefits, and an increase in the retirement age to 62, aligning it with other government departments.
The protesting workers, advocating for a swift resolution to their concerns, reportedly faced detainment in Vijayawada on Wednesday. They assert that the state government compensates workers with a mere Rs 11,500 and helpers with Rs 7,000, while they are advocating for a monthly salary of Rs 26,000 for all workers.
Moreover, the demonstrators allege that the Andhra Pradesh government has not complied with the Supreme Court's order from 2022, which mandates governments to confer benefits to eligible Anganwadi employees and helpers.
Highlighting the Supreme Court's order from April 2022, which deemed Anganwadi employees and helpers eligible for gratuity benefits, the directive emphasized that eligible beneficiaries should receive their gratuity within three months, accompanied by 10 percent simple interest.
In response, the opposition party, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), criticized Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of jeopardizing the well-being of Anganwadi workers. TDP General Secretary Nara Lokesh voiced support for the protesters and accused Chief Minister Reddy of engaging in "tyranny." Senior TDP leader Achanta Sunitha criticized the Jagan Reddy government for failing to prioritize the needs of Anganwadi workers in the state, pointing out that over one lakh Anganwadi workers have been protesting without government response.
Addressing the situation, the Andhra Pradesh government issued a notice to the protesting Anganwadi workers on Tuesday, urging them to resume their duties by January 5 under the threat of departmental action. The government asserted having accepted demands related to age relaxation and increased retirement benefits by Rs 1 lakh. Despite attempts at dialogue between Anganwadi leaders and the state government, the workers remain steadfast in their agitation until their demands are met.
