Anganwadi workers withdraw protest after 42-day stir as Andhra Pradesh government accepts demands

The police detained several workers and foiled the protest, even as the government set a deadline for them, warning that they would be suspended and replaced if they did not join duties by 9.30 am on Monday.

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The negotiations

Meanwhile, as workers’ unions announced a statewide bandh on Wednesday, the government called for negotiations, and talks continued till around midnight on Monday.

The talks were held with the Anganwadi union and IFTU representatives on the protesters’ side, and Education Minister Botsa Satyanarayana and YSRCP general secretary and government advisor for Public Affairs Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy on the other side.

Addressing the media following Education Minister Botsa Satyanarayana’s confirmation of the deal, the Anganwadi workers provided details about the positive response from the government to their demands.

They said the Anganwadi centres which had been locked for the past 42 days would reopen on Tuesday.

The government, on its part, assured that there would be no political repercussions against any Anganwadi workers.

“The government has consistently demonstrated empathy and a commitment that has been extended beyond merely meeting demands, as it actively maintained communication with the Anganwadis throughout the strike.” – Sajjala said.

“Opposition leader and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, his son Lokesh, and JSP chief Pawan Kalyan have regularly made comments aimed at inflaming tensions. The Anganwadis, in a commendable display of wisdom, have chosen to follow the path of prudence by calling off the strike, thereby thwarting divisive attempts.” Minister Botcha Satyanarayana added.

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Key points

The key points discussed during the talks, as explained by both the Anganwadi workers and Education Minister Botsa Satyanarayana, included:

1. The salary hike has been postponed to July (in the next financial year), with a written assurance provided for now. The salary increase will be based on mutually-agreed terms between the Anganwadi workers and the government.

2. The chief minister will send a letter to the Union government for directions on the implementation of a gratuity fund in the state.

3. The government has agreed to increase retirement benefits from ₹50,000 to ₹1.2 lakh for teachers and from ₹20,000 to ₹60,000 for workers.

4. Mini Anganwadi centres will be converted into main Anganwadi centres after a survey of the areas.

5. Anganwadi workers are now covered under the ₹2-lakh insurance scheme. In case of death in service, priority will be given in recruitment to one of their family members.

6. A ₹20,000 allowance will be provided for funeral charges for Anganwadi workers in case of death.

7. The promotion age for Anganwadi helpers has been increased from 45 to 50 years, as per a Government Order (GO) already issued. The retirement age for Anganwadi workers has also been increased from 60 to 62 years.

8. Travel Allowance (TA) bills, pending since 2017 with the state government alleging a halt in funds from the Union government, will now be cleared by the state government at least once a month until the Union government releases funds.

9. The government plans to consolidate all four apps used by the workers into one, scrapping the other three. Meanwhile, daily issues such as reimbursement charges for gas, cooking, and others will be addressed after the formation of a committee and its recommendations.

10. Anganwadi workers will now be eligible for various welfare schemes that were previously denied to them due to their “government employee” status, despite receiving wages of ₹11,500 and ₹7,500 for teachers and helpers, respectively.

11. The government further agreed to pay the salary and withdraw the terminations and cases against all workers over the 42-day protest period.

South First earlier reported on how the Anganwadi protesters in Vijayawada felt that their agitation was similar to those against the CAA or the NRC, contributing to the shaping of political dynamics.