Thousands of Women Workers Take on Delhi Streets

Thousands of women associated with anganwadi (rural mother care and child centres) hit Delhi streets on July 24, demanding their salary which is long overdue. More than 10,000 women participated in the rally from Ramlila Maidan to Jantar Mantar under the banner of ‘Delhi State Anganwadi Wrokers and Helpers Union’ (DSAWHU).

There are around 11,000 anganwadi centres in the national capital, where 22,000 women work as workers and helpers. Workers are paid Rs 5,000, while helpers get around Rs 2,500 per month. 

The workers have allegedly not been paid since March. “Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia have been tweeting and telling the media that the salary of anganwadi workers will be raised. But they have not given us any written commitment or have had any direct contact with us. None of our demands have been fulfilled, and we will intensify the movement till we achieve our goals,” said DSAWHU President Shivani Kaul.

The DSAWHU has been leading the agitation for past 27 days due to non-implementation of an agreement that the Kejriwal government had done with them in July 2015. It was promised in the deal that the honorarium the anganwadi helpers and workers get will be increased. The government had also accepted six other demands put forward by the union. But none of them have allegedly been implemented for past 2 years despite “repeated reminders by the union”.

“The government betrayed us.” said visibly angry Kaul. 

The turnout of the agitation shows that the working women in the country are getting politically conscious and speaking up for their rights. But the government’s apathy to address their issues is saddening.

The union also issued a press release and placed the following demands:

• Basic amenities: Proper building, clean drinking water and adequate food for children.
• Regularisation as central government employees.
• Allowances and pension at par with central government pay scale.
• Honorarium equal to Haryana state which is Rs 7,500 per month.
• Strengthening of ICDS scheme and proper funds for children.