9th July 2010 All India Strike of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers
Dharna by Delhi Angawadi Union
Nearly 200 angawadi workers and helpers from different parts of Delhi sat on dharna at ITO on 16th April 2010, in the scorching heat. In many parts of the National capital, for more than five months the anganwadi workers and helpers have not received their honorarium. Their situation is unimaginable at this time of skyrocketing price rise, without getting even the honorarium, which is far below the minimum wages.
In spite of assurances by the state Minister for Women and Child Development last year, for an increase in honorarium and other benefits, the state Budget 2010-11 ignored the problems of anganwadi employees. The Minister and the Director were not even ready to meet the union representatives.
The dharna was addressed by leaders of the union, Delhi state CITU and AIFAWH. The main speaker, Usharani, President, Anganwadi Mulazim Union, Punjab and Secretary AIFAWH, lambasted the government policies and called upon the anganwadi workers and helpers in Delhi to strengthen the union and to join the Mahapadav on 4th May 2010in large numbers.
The minister and the director were forced to speak to the delegation led by Kamala, state General Secretary of the Union. The Minister assured regular payment of honorarium to the angawadi workers and helpers and said that she will recommend an increase in honorarium. The Director agreed to have regular bipartite meetings with the union and the next meeting will be held in July 2010.
