THE All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers (AIFAWH), in a statement issued on January 9, has vehemently condemned the imposition of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) on striking anganwadi workers and helpers by the Andhra Pradesh state government. AIFAWH demands the immediate withdrawal of ESMA and urges the restoration of talks with striking unions for a resolution through dialogue.

Over one lakh anganwadi workers and helpers in Andhra Pradesh have been on strike since December 12, 2023, demanding an increase in wages, implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on gratuity, and addressing other pertinent issues under the joint platform of unions. The strike is comprehensive and has been necessitated by the failure, if not refusal, of the YSRCP government to fulfill earlier promises and commitments, including the 2019 electoral pledge to raise remuneration by Rs 1000 more than that of Telangana. Although there were negotiations held with the striking unions, the government flatly refused any wage increase or implementation of gratuity as per the Supreme Court order.

Efforts to break the strike through intimidation and threats, including the involvement of local YSRCP party activists, were unsuccessful. Officials, with the assistance of these activists, attempted to coerce the anganwadi workers and helpers into opening the centers forcefully, breaking the locks. However, local support for the strike prevailed, preventing the forceful opening of the centers, and the strike remained total. When all these attempts failed, the government invoked ESMA on anganwadi services, declaring the strike illegal.

The irony lies in the fact that the Andhra Pradesh government, unwilling to adhere to the Supreme Court order and recognise anganwadi workers and helpers as employees/workers, invoked ESMA, an act typically applicable to government employees. AIFAWH demands the withdrawal of ESMA by the Andhra Pradesh government, resumption of negotiations with the unions, and calls upon all anganwadi workers and helpers to unite in the fight against both the Andhra Pradesh government and the Modi government, which is dismantling the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

AIFAWH calls upon all democratic-minded people across the country to rally against the unjust imposition of the draconian Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) on anganwadi workers and helpers who, in the face of the pandemic and malnutrition, provided invaluable services at the risk of their lives.

AIFAWH cautions the Andhra Pradesh government that the resistance against such authoritarian measures will be heightened with the collective support and assistance of the people throughout the country.

Likewise, in Maharashtra, anganwadi workers and helpers have been on an indefinite strike since December 4, 2023, under the joint platform. The Maharashtra BJP coalition government has refused to engage in dialogue with the unions, resorting instead to severe repression and retrenchment. Despite these challenges, anganwadi workers and helpers in Maharashtra are courageously resisting repression and persisting with the strike.

It is essential to remind these governments that the Bihar government terminated 18,220 anganwadi workers and helpers during their strike in November-December 2023. However, due to the pressure exerted by the workers' struggles, the Bihar government was compelled to reinstate all of them and recently increase their remuneration.

AIFAWH will organise protest and solidarity actions nationwide from January 10 to 13, 2024, demanding the withdrawal of the authoritarian Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) in Andhra Pradesh and urging the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra to immediately settle the ongoing strikes by anganwadi workers and helpers in these states through democratic dialogue.

Anganwadi unions registered under the Trade Union Act possess all legal and constitutional rights for collective bargaining and the right to strike. Despite issuing strike notices, many state governments refuse to engage in negotiations with the unions and force the strikes upon them. AIFAWH strongly demands for the recognition of trade union rights for anganwadi and other scheme workers.

AIFAWH further demands that the government of India promptly implement the Supreme Court order, enforce gratuity, and enhance the service conditions of anganwadi workers and helpers. The organisation also calls for the government of India to ensure uniform service rules and working conditions for anganwadi workers and helpers across the country.

The people of the country are urged to support the struggle of anganwadi workers and helpers nationwide, asking for their rights as workers and the fortification of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).