Anganwadi union & CITU warn against ICDS privatisation & other issues

The Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union, in collaboration with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), held a meeting in Shimla to address various concerns related to the implementation of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program. During the meeting, union representatives expressed their demands and called for urgent reforms within the system.

The union representatives, including CITU State President Vijender Mehra and General Secretary Prem Gautam, emphasized the need for immediate attention to the issues faced by Anganwadi workers and the importance of recognizing their valuable contributions to child development.

One of the primary demands put forward by the workers was the celebration of a Demand Day on July 10, during which workers across the state will protest against the anti-Anganwadi policies of the Modi government. Wearing black badges, black dupattas, or black clothes, the workers intend to make a strong statement against the government's stance on the welfare of Anganwadi workers.

Moreover, the workers plan to organize a comprehensive campaign in July-August to advocate for the introduction of a gratuity facility, ensuring financial security for Anganwadi workers. They also highlighted the urgent need for 100% recruitment in pre-primary positions and the elimination of the age condition for recruitment, which currently stands at 45 years.

Other demands included the validation of degrees from any recognized university in India for the appointment of supervisors, immediate recruitment of qualified personnel as supervisors based on seniority, and the provision of benefits and salaries equivalent to those provided in the state of Haryana.

Furthermore, the union representatives warned against the privatization of ICDS and criticized the government's move to hand over ICDS to the Vedanta Company under the guise of assistance through the Nand Ghar project. They argued that such privatization would endanger the jobs of Anganwadi workers and expressed their unwavering opposition to this move.

In addition to their demands for improved working conditions and job security, the workers called for the withdrawal of the new education policy, which they deemed as having a hidden agenda of privatizing ICDS. They emphasized that Anganwadi workers, given their specialized training, should be entrusted with the responsibility of teaching pre-primary classes and young children under the new education policy.

The union representatives warned the central and state governments of an escalation in the movement if ICDS is privatized and if Anganwadi workers are not granted regular employee status. They urged the government to prioritize the recommendations of the 45th Indian Labor Conference held in 2013, which called for the regularization of Anganwadi workers and the provision of benefits such as pensions, gratuity, medical facilities, and leave.

With their demands in hand, the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union and CITU aim to bring about significant improvements in the ICDS program and ensure the welfare and recognition of Anganwadi workers who play a vital role in nurturing the future generation.