The All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers has issued the following statement on February 13 NEARLY one lakh anganwadi workers and helpers under the leadership of Karnataka Rajya Anganwadi Noukarara Sangha (CITU) and the anganwadi union affiliated to AITUC were on indefinite strike since February 2, 2015, against privatisation of the ICDS, for minimum wages of Rs 15,000 for employees and on other demands. On February 12 night, the union withdrew the strike after an assurance by the chief minister that his government will not privatise the ICDS and will increase remuneration of anganwadi employees in the coming budget. Karnataka Rajya Anganwadi Noukarara Sangha made full preparations for this struggle against the “ICDS Mission Mode”. Apart from having meetings, workshops, jathas etc at sector, panchayat, project, district and state level, 8 lakh leaflets were distributed among the beneficiaries and local people explaining the demands and harmful policies of the government. 90 per cent of the anganwadi centres were closed. Striking workers were holding day and night dharna on all 12 days at the district headquarters. The administration tried to suppress the strike issuing show cause notices to the employees, threatening them, trying to forcefully open the centres etc. The anganwadi workers and helpers carried on the struggle daring all the consequences. On February 12, nearly 40 thousand anganwadi employees gathered in Bangalore, after which discussions between the union and the government took place and the government gave some assurances. While congratulating the anganwadi workers and helpers of Karnataka for their magnificent struggle and victory, AIFAWH calls upon the anganwadi workers and helpers throughout the country to intensify campaign and prepare for countrywide struggles against privatisation of ICDS and for regularisation, minimum wages and pension and social security benefits. It calls upon all the state committees to observe protest day on March 3, 2015 against the negative attitude of Modi government for the anganwadi workers and helpers and the children of the country.