United for change: Anganwadi workers rally for recognition, fair compensation

In a spirited show of solidarity and resolve, the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union, affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), held a significant conference in Chauntra, Mandi district. The event brought together 77 representatives from eight circles and focused on strengthening the union, addressing pressing worker issues and electing new leadership.

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The conference was attended by several key leaders, including district secretary Sudarshana Sharma, treasurer Anjula, district committee member Sarla and state vice-president of the Himachal Kisan Sabha, Kushal Bhardwaj.

A call to action was issued for active participation in the nationwide strike scheduled for July 9, with a massive protest planned in Jogindernagar on the same day. Union leaders urged all members to mobilise in large numbers to demonstrate their collective strength and unwavering commitment to their rights.

During the session, a new committee was unanimously elected. Tamanna was chosen as the president, while Archana, Hero Devi, Durga Thakur and Ranjana were appointed as vice-presidents. Rani Devi was elected as secretary, with Sonam, Bandana and Kusma taking charge as joint secretaries. Sudarshana Sharma was named treasurer. The executive committee also includes Krishna Babli, Varsha, Ruhni, Sarla, Neelam, Sushma, Praveen, Meena Devi, Rajni, Socho Devi, Sulesha, Bandana and Kanta. Four committee positions remain vacant and will be filled in due course.

In her opening address, district secretary Sudarshana Sharma launched a scathing attack on both the Central and state governments for adopting policies she described as “anti-worker and anti-labour.” She expressed strong opposition to the proposed privatisation of the Anganwadi system and demanded that Anganwadi workers and helpers be granted the status of government employees. Sharma also called for structured pay scales based on years of service and highlighted the need to match the honorariums given in states like Haryana.

Treasurer Anjula echoed these sentiments, urging all workers to unite and intensify their struggle for justice and recognition. She emphasised that only through collective action could lasting change be achieved.

The conference’s concluding session was marked by powerful remarks from Kisan Sabha’s state vice-president, Kushal Bhardwaj. He strongly condemned the Centre for replacing 44 existing labour laws with just four labour codes, describing the move as “pro-corporate and anti-worker.” He also criticised the inadequate implementation of recommendations made in the 45th and 46th Indian Labour Conferences, particularly those related to the regularisation of Anganwadi workers.

Bhardwaj recounted the long history of struggle led by the union, pointing out that honorariums, which began at a meagre Rs 150-Rs 300, only rose to the current Rs 10,000 due to years of sustained agitation. Still, he asserted that honorariums were not enough. The conference concluded with the passage of several strong resolutions. These included opposition to the involvement of NGOs in Anganwadi operations and a declaration that workers would refuse any additional duties beyond 3 pm.