Anganwadi workers in Andhra Pradesh have called off their strike after 42 days following successful talks with the government. The workers were demanding increased wages and gratuity. Out of the 11 demands put forth by the Anganwadi workers, the government has reportedly fulfilled 10, including an increase in retirement benefits to Rs. 20 lakh and a decision to raise the wages of anganwadi helpers to Rs. 60,000.
According to Botsa Satyanarayana, the Andhra Pradesh government has given a written assurance to increase the wages in July. The government also agreed to provide monthly TA (Travel Allowance) bills from now on. The workers explained that their welfare schemes were not being implemented as Anganwadis were recognized as government employees. The government has assured that wages will be paid for the 42-day strike period.
The Anganwadi worker union spokesperson stated that the government has promised to withdraw the cases against the workers. Following these assurances, the Anganwadi workers have announced the end of their strike and will return to work, despite facing the threat of dismissal.
The strike, which lasted for 42 days, was one of the longest strikes in Andhra Pradesh since 2019. The government had taken several measures to suppress the strike, including suspending all employment of Anganwadi workers and indicating the issuance of a fresh notification for recruitment from January 26th onwards.
The decision to call off the strike midway raises questions, and concerns have been expressed about the workers agreeing to take salaries from July onwards, especially when elections are scheduled for April this year. The fear of government actions and possible job loss may have influenced the decision to end the strike.
