Anganwadi workers to stage state-wide strike on July 9

The Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union, affiliated to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), has decided to go on a state-wide strike on July 9 to raise various demands, including the declaration of Anganwadi workers as permanent employees.

The decision was taken during a district-level conference of the union here on Sunday.

During the conference, CITU state president Vijender Mehra said, as a part of the strike, protests would be held in key locations of the district — including Shimla, Rampur, Rohru, Kumarsain, Sunni and Theog. With the protests, the workers would demand equal pay for equal work; an increase in the salaries of Anganwadi workers; pre-primary school status for Anganwadi centres; the acceptance of degrees from recognised Indian universities for supervisor appointments; immediate recruitment of matriculate and graduate Anganwadi workers as supervisors based on seniority; retirement age of 65 years; the provision of mobile recharge and stationery allowances; and the provision of salary and seniority benefits as well as medical leaves, he added.

He said if Anganwadi workers were not declared regular employees, they would launch a mass movement against the government.