Stalemate continues on demands of Anganwadi workers, municipal staff in AP

AMARAVATI: The ongoing protests by Anganwadi workers and Municipal staff in Andhra Pradesh have become a major concern for the ruling YSRCP Government, especially with the upcoming general elections in April-May 2024.

With the workers determined to continue their protest until their demands are fully met, talks with Ministers have been unsuccessful. The Anganwadi workers in Andhra Pradesh were on strike for the past 21 days, demanding minimum wages and gratuity.

They were dissatisfied with the Government for forcing them to take to the streets. Over 1.06 lakh workers were currently on strike in the state, and they warned that they would not end their protest until the Government addressed their demands. They demanded an increase in wages and have given the Government an ultimatum to decide by January 3.

The Government initially stated that the issue of increasing wages for Anganwadi workers would be considered after the elections but assured that all other demands would be addressed. However, as the protest continued, notices were issued to the workers on Tuesday asking them to report for duty by January 5 or face departmental action. The Government has also highlighted the difficulties faced by Anganwadi centres due to the ongoing strike.

In addition to the Anganwadi workers, municipal staff in Andhra Pradesh were also protesting for the regularisation of services, a salary of Rs 18,500 for Clean Andhra Pradesh (CLAP) vehicle drivers, and welfare benefits for all workers.

The workers expressed concern over their low wages and delayed payments. Thousands of staff members gathered outside Government offices, chanting slogans and demanding their rights. Discussions were held between authorities and the protesting staff, with assurances that their demands would be considered. However, the workers continued their protests.

Meanwhile, a meeting was held between a team of AP Ministers and municipal labour unions to discuss various issues related to the workers on Tuesday. The trade union leaders emphasised the demand for equal pay for equal work and stated that they would call off the strike only if the Government showed a positive response to this demand.