Anganwadi workers stage protest at Jantar Mantar demanding official worker status

Scores of Anganwadi volunteers and helpers led by the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) today staged a demonstration at Jantar Mantar demanding "official worker status" and minimum wages.

The women demonstrators, under the aegis of All India Anganwadi Workers Federation, came from the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, besides members from Delhi.

Asha workers and Mid Day Meal workers of AITUC affiliated unions were also a part of the demonstration. Addressing the crowd, Rajya Sabha MP and CPI National Secretary, D Raja, said he has raised the issue in Parliament and asked the government to consider it.

"When I raised the issue in Rajya Sabha today, members cutting across the party lines supported me. HRD Minister Smriti Irani has formally agreed to meet our delegation," Raja said.

He said although the anganwadi volunteers play a critical role in providing health care to the impoverished masses, they are being paid a "paltry" sum of Rs 3,000 by the Centre which is "unjustified".

Raja also warned the Central government against "diluting existing labour laws".

"The BJP government at Centre has been initiating several measures to dilute the existing labour legislations. The working people of India will not allow any such amendments to the laws," he said.

Expressing solidarity with the demonstrators, Aam Admi Party MP from Patiala, Dharamvir Gandhi said there demands are "rightful demands" and his party supports them.