Anganwadi Workers Union Hosts 14th State Conference in Una, Himachal Pradesh

Conference Overview
Una: The 14th two-day conference of the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union, associated with CITU, kicked off in Una, Himachal Pradesh. The event commenced with a flag hoisting ceremony led by state president Neelam Jaswal and was officially opened by national president Usha Rani. The union's report was presented by state general secretary Veena Sharma, while CITU national secretary Dr. Kashmir Thakur addressed the attendees.
Celebrating the Nationwide Strike
Usha Rani and Dr. Thakur praised Anganwadi workers for their participation in the July 9 nationwide strike, which they described as the largest in the history of Himachal Pradesh. More than 10,000 workers took part in protests across various district and block headquarters, resulting in the closure of numerous Anganwadi centres.
Opposition to ICDS Privatization
During the conference, speakers voiced strong opposition to the Modi government's policies, claiming that they are damaging the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) through privatization and budget reductions. They put forth several demands:
- Full recognition for mini Anganwadi centres
- Equal pay for equal work
- Salary increases and regularization for all workers
- Implementation of gratuity as per Supreme Court directives
- Regularization as Class III and IV employees according to Gujarat High Court rulings
Educational and Employment Requests
Additional requests included:
- Recognition of Anganwadi centres as pre-primary educational institutions
- Appointment of supervisors based on seniority and qualifications
- Extension of retirement age to 65 years
- Financial assistance for uniforms, mobile recharges, and stationery
- Resolution of issues related to the Poshan Tracker app
A Warning to the Central Government
Union leaders cautioned that if Anganwadi workers are not regularized, the movement will escalate. They firmly opposed the privatization of ICDS and called for the implementation of the recommendations from the 45th Indian Labour Conference. Furthermore, they demanded pensions, medical leave, and incentives for election duties, along with immediate recruitment for vacant positions and double compensation for additional work.