The Andhra Pradesh government has taken a stern action against the Anganwadi workers and helpers who have been on a fast-unto-death strike at Dharna Chowk in Vijayawada. On January 18, show-cause notices were served to the agitating workers by the Women Development and Child Welfare (WD&CW) Department Project Directors through the Postal Department staff. The notices require the workers to respond within 10 days or face disciplinary action. This move by the government comes after 38 days of agitation by the workers, who launched an indefinite fast from January 17.
The agitating Anganwadi workers and helpers have been demanding better working conditions, higher wages, and regularisation of services. However, instead of resolving the issues through dialogue, the government has resorted to issuing notices, thereby threatening the workers. This is the second time that the State government has taken such action, which has further escalated the situation.
According to Rama Lakshmi, an Anganwadi helper who was on an indefinite hunger strike, this move by the government is a form of intimidation. The workers and their unions have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the government’s lack of response and failure to address their demands. The unions, including the CITU-affiliated A.P. Anganwadi Workers and Helpers’ Union, have condemned the government’s threats through show-cause notices and the invocation of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).
The strike has seen the participation of 17 women, including Anganwadi workers, helpers, and union leaders from various districts. The A.P. Pragathiseela Anganwadi Workers and Helpers’ Union, along with unions like IFTU, AITUC, and CITU, have been leading the agitation. These women have shown tremendous resolve by going on a fast unto death to draw attention to their demands and the government’s apathy towards their plight.
As a precautionary measure, the police have arranged tight security at the fasting camp at Dharna Chowk. The authorities want to ensure the safety of the protesters and maintain law and order in the area. The show-cause notices and the intensification of security measures highlight the tense atmosphere and the strained relationship between the protesting workers and the government.
