By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCircles.net,
New Delhi : After holding dharna for 23 days and ‘indefinite’ hunger strike for 7 days, the striking Delhi State Aanganwadi Workers’ and Helpers’ Union (DSAWHU) on Saturday got a sigh of relief as the AAP government finally gave in to the demands of the Aanganwadi workers.
On July 28 this month, Arvind Kejriwal met one of the representatives of Delhi State Aanganwadi Workers’ and Helpers’ Union at his residence and invited their delegation to the Delhi Secretariat the following day. A five member delegation of DSAWHU met Arvind Kejriwal and held talks for 45 minutes after which the CM accepted all the immediate demands of the workers and assured that the government will definitely consider the long-term political demands of the workers.
Delhi government issued a written agreement to the DSAWHU Union on its letter-pad mentioning the fact that the government has accepted all demands. The Child and Women Development Minister Sandeep Kumar along with two of Delhi Government’s secretaries brought the letter of agreement to the venue of the dharna.
“The struggle has just begun. Until the aanganwadi women workers are given the formal recognition as workers by the government and all the legal entitlements of workers, the movement will continue. Right now, it is time to consolidate the victory of our immediate demands. However, we will soon launch a new movement for the fulfillment of our long-term demands.” said Shivani Kaul, spokesperson, Delhi State Aanganwadi Workers’ and Helpers’ Union.
Another member of DSAWHU Union, Radha termed the acceptance of demands a beginning as the union plans to intensify its struggle in coming days for the status of permanent workers from the government.
“Under the pressure of our movement, the Kejriwal government has increased the honorarium of aanganwadi workers from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 6000 for 4 hour work and the honorarium of aanganwadi helpers from Rs. 2500 to Rs. 3000 for 4 hour work. The due salaries have been paid. However, we wills struggle for the status of permanent workers from the government. For this very purpose, the Union has called a general body meeting on August 9, Sunday,” Radha said.
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