Anganwadi workers launch relay hunger strike defying ESMA

The workers threaten to intensify their protests until government meets their demands

Updated - January 08, 2024 10:41 pm IST - VISAKHAPATNAM

Members of the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union burning copies of G.O. no. 2 which brings Anganwadi services under ESMA Act, near Gandhi Statue in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

Members of the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union burning copies of G.O. no. 2 which brings Anganwadi services under ESMA Act, near Gandhi Statue in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Anganwadi Workers and Union members, supported by the CITU, started a relay hunger strike on Saturday evening. protesting the State government’s move to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance (ESMA) Act against them. The Anganwadi workers said they would intensify the protest until the government meets their demands.

On Sunday, the protestors burnt the copies of G.O. no. 2 which brings Anganwadi services under the ESMA. CITU district general secretary R.K.S.V. Kumar said that the Anganwadi workers have been on strike for the last 27 days demanding the government implement its promises of wage hike.

Recently, the government issued a notice through the Collector that they should return to their duties from January 5 (Friday). Responding to it, the members intensified their protests and on January 6 (Saturday), the government invoked the ESMA Act and it is being condemned, he said.

M. Jaggu Naidu, P. Ramana and other leaders were present.

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.