Samikhsya Bureau
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has extended her support to the demand of anganwadi workers in Uttar Pradesh for being given the status of government employee. The grouse among the anganwadi workers against the governments in all the states is all pervasive and they time to time say how they are being underplayed despite their immense contribution and role in shaping a crucial wing of the society.
Priyanka’s support at this juncture, when the polls are barely days to go, can help the Congress to woo the women votes all over the country.
Supporting the demand of Uttar Pradesh anganwadi workers that they be given status of state government employee, the AICC general secretary incharge for Uttar Pradesh (east) on Sunday condemned the lathicharge on the workers raising this demand.
In a post on social media, Gandhi Vadra said, “The Anganwadi workers and their helpers are demanding status of state government employees. Instead of listening to their grievances, the BJP government ordered lathicharge on them. The struggle of my sisters is my struggle.”
The anganwadi workers have been demanding increase in their honorarium and pension. Among other demands, the workers want that the recommendations of the 45th and 46th Indian Labour Conference (ILC) on recognition, minimum wages and pension for the workers be implemented.
They have also been demanding ban on non-ICDS extra work, full payment to mini workers, upgrading the mini centres to full centres, removal of age bar in promotion, inclusion of pre-school education in Right To Education, and making Anganwadis the nodal agencies etc.
In another tweet, she attacked the Yogi Adityanath government for not having increased the remuneration given to Asha workers who take care of women during their pregnancy.
“The Asha workers of Uttar Pradesh take up the responsibility for the health of a pregnant woman for nine months for which they get Just Rs 600. The BJP government never cared to increase their remuneration. They (asha workers) want replies, not Jim law,” she tweeted.
