The All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers (AIFAWH) in a statement issued on February 25, has extended full support to the struggle of the anganwadi workers and helpers in Andhra Pradesh demanding minimum wages and retirement benefits including pension and gratuity to all anganwadi workers and helpers. The struggle is led by the Andhra Pradesh Anganwadi Workers and Helpers’ Union. AIFAWH demanded the state government to immediately concede the genuine demands of the anganwadi workers and helpers in Andhra Pradesh.

AIFAWH has condemned the repression let loose by the state government on the anganwadi employees who were coming to the state capital to voice their grievances as per the ‘Chalo Assembly’ call given by the union. Hundreds of anganwadi employees were arrested on the previous night, hundreds were de-trained on their way, the buses they have booked were cancelled. Despite this, more than 30,000 anganwadi employees assembled in Hyderabad. The state government resorted to lathi charge and forcibly evacuated them.

AIFAWH has warned that such repressive measures cannot suppress the movement. It congratulated the anganwadi employees in the state and the Andhra Pradesh Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union for their determination to continue their struggle in the face of the many adversities and difficulties and has assured its total support and solidarity in their struggle. It reiterated its demand that the state government should immediately take measures to meet the genuine demands of the anganwadi workers and helpers in the state.