Anganwadi workers in Andhra Pradesh have ended their 42-day long protest after the state government agreed to meet all their demands.

Among the demands were an increase in their wages, one time retirement money and upgrading the existing anganwadis in the state. In all, 11 demands were placed before the state government.

The protest by thousands of workers began on December 12. It was carried forward despite the enforcement of the Essential Services Maintenance Act.

The government agreed to the demands regarding TA/DA, increasing the age limit for promotion for Anganwadi Workers and Helpers and also the retirement age to 62. The state agreed to increase the one-time retirement benefit from 50000 to one lakh for workers and 20000 to 60000 for helpers.

Besides, the state also agreed to convert all mini Anganwadi centres to full centres according to the protesters.

“Yesterday at midnight, the government agreed in a written agreement for an increase in wages, which they will work out along with the unions. Regarding gratuity, the AP Government asked for time, and they will write to the central government on that. The strike started on 12 December. On 6 January, the government imposed ESMA on the striking workers. Around 8,000 workers were also arrested,” AR Sindhu, General Secretary, All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers (AIFAWH) said, calling upon workers from other states as well to build pressure on the union government to meet their demands.

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