Fourty lakh signatures submitted to the Ministry of WCD
Hundreds of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers from all over the country under the leadership of All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers (AIFAWH) marched to Parliament today, on 25 February 2019. The March, organized in protest against the anti workers attitude of the BJP government, started at 12 noon from Mandi House. The March was led by Tapan Sen, General Secretary, K Hemalata, President, CITU, A R Sindhu General Secretary, Usharani President, AIFAWH and various state leaders.
A delegation met the Secretary, WCD and submitted nearly 40 lakh signatures collected on the demands of strengthening the ICDS and improving the working conditions of anganwadi workers and Helpers to the ministry.
Along with the long pending basic demands of regularization, minimum wages Rs.18000 per month and pension Rs.6000 per month, the immediate issues of introduction of Direct Cash transfer in ICDS, non implementation of the existing benefits for both workers and beneficiaries etc were raised.
The announcement of increase in remuneration with much fanfare by the Prime Minister is yet to be implemented in most parts of the country. Moreover, the amount allocated to ICDS in the interim budget is not adequate to cover the cost of additional remuneration.
The March declared that it will take the issues of institutionalization of ICDS with full facilities as the right of the children for food, health and education and the rights of the workers for minimum wages and pension to the people and will work for a change in the anti people policies. AIFAWH will ensure the defeat of the communal anti ICDS, anti labour BJP government in the coming Parliament elections.
Issued by
A R Sindhu
