Pune: The Maharashtra government is facing mounting pressure as Anganwadi workers, led by the Maharashtra Anganwadi Workers' Action Committee, plan to launch an indefinite hunger strike starting from Monday (September 23), at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
The workers are demanding the immediate issuance of government orders regarding an increase in their honorarium, monthly pension, and gratuity, which were proposed by the Department of Women and Child Development.
Nitin Pawar, a senior official of the Anganwadi Workers' Union, and other leaders of the Action Committee have expressed their frustration over the government's failure to fulfill promises made on multiple occasions.
Despite assurances from senior government officials, including the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Ministers, no official action has been taken, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among Anganwadi workers.
In solidarity with the hunger strike in Mumbai, rallies and protests will also be held at the District Collector's office in Pune and the Additional Tehsildar's office in Pimpri-Chinchwad on Monday.
The situation is set to escalate further if no resolution is reached by 24th September. The Action Committee has announced that, on 25th September, one lakh Anganwadis across Maharashtra will shut down, and two lakh workers and helpers will stage a mass protest at Azad Maidan, where they will voluntarily court arrest as part of a "jail bharo" agitation.
Anganwadi workers have grown increasingly frustrated as promises of wage hikes, pensions, and gratuity remain unfulfilled.
The Action Committee had previously postponed planned strikes in the hope that the government would act, especially after meeting with the Chief Minister in Thane on 1st September 2024. However, with no progress in the subsequent 20 days, the workers have resolved to intensify their movement.
