Anganwadi workers in Andhra Pradesh called for Chalo Vijayawada demanding salary hike. Thousands of workers from across the state reached Vijayawada and started mass demonstration at Dharna Chowk. Angered by the government not inviting them for talks, the workers continued their protest throughout the night, but at around 5 am the police took action at the protest site and started surrounding and arresting the sleeping women. Many activists were picked up in the same condition, put in buses and taken to the police stations of Eluru, Sattenapalle and Narasaraopet. It has also come to light that media persons covering the protest were stopped and their cameras snatched.
Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union (CITU) leader P. Mani said that this protest has been organized to demand salary increase. He says that during the last elections, the coalition government led by N. Chandrababu Naidu had promised that justice would be done to Anganwadi workers, assistants and related staff if voted to power, but even after 22 months, no decision has been taken on the salary hike. P. Mani said that we gave memorandums several times, held dharnas at the district and divisional levels, but did not receive any response from the government. “We will not leave from here until the salary increase is announced.”
Baby Rani’s statement – Government should fulfill promises
State President of AP Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union Baby Rani also accused the government of breaking its promise. He reminded that there was a 42-day long strike during the previous government, in which several leaders—including N. Chandrababu Naidu, Nara Lokesh, Pawan Kalyan, Sandhya Rani and Anita Vangalapudi—were arrested. Had reached the protest site and assured of salary increase. Baby Rani said, ‘It has been two years now. What was said before the elections has not been implemented yet. Inflation is continuously increasing and it is not possible to live in Rs 7000 or Rs 11,500.
Question of salary and inflation
At present, the salary of Anganwadi assistant is Rs 7000 and the salary of Anganwadi teacher is Rs 11,500. Workers say that this salary is very low amid rising inflation. He also raised the question that if they are considered government employees then why do they not get facilities like government employees? They do not receive disability benefits. Other family support plans are hindered. Lack of social security is seen.
Example of Telangana
Union leaders cited neighboring state Telangana and said that Rs 18,000 salary is being implemented for Anganwadi workers there. He raised the question that when this is possible in Telangana, why not in Andhra Pradesh?
Police action and controversy
Controversy has arisen over the early morning action against the workers sitting overnight at Dharna Chowk. It is alleged that women were arrested without prior notice. Media coverage was stopped. Cameramen’s machines were snatched. However, an official response from the police is awaited.
Protest before International Women’s Day
This movement is taking place in the month of March, when International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8. Union leaders said that forcing thousands of women to sit on the streets and taking police action is contrary to the dignity of women. They appealed to the Chief Minister to find a respectable solution by announcing salary hike before Women’s Day.
