BENGALURU: HD Kumaraswamy, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel; Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, and Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, met the Union leaders representing Anganwadi, midday meal and Asha workers in Delhi on Wednesday to address their issues with regard to an increase in the salaries, providing health facilities and more.
While the anganwadi, midday meal and Asha workers had announced an indefinite strike against the Central government, it was called off yesterday following a request from Kumaraswamy and Prahlad Joshi.
Speaking to the leaders, Kumaraswamy said, “Sitting on a dharna in the cold is deeply painful. Dialogue is always a better path than agitation. The discussions with representatives were constructive. All issues were thoroughly discussed, and Devi as well as Pradhan have assured that necessary steps will be taken to resolve their concerns.”
Union Minister Devi assured that the matter regarding election duties would be taken up with the Election Commission, and steps would be initiated to reduce work pressure on all employees. “Our Ministry is committed to addressing genuine concerns with empathy and responsibility. We will try to possibly fulfil most of your demands and ease your workload for your welfare,” she said.
Speaking to TNIE, Varalakshmi, CITU leader from Karnataka, said, “We have placed the demands of the workers here. While they haven’t promised anything, they have assured that the demands will be placed before the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a call will be taken to provide funds in this year’s budget for the welfare of midday meal, anganwadi and ASHA workers.”
KEY ISSUES DISCUSSED
Exemption of workers from facial recognition system
Increament in their salaries
Anganwadis or midday meal work shouldn’t be handed over to NGOs
12 months salary instead of 10 months
Medical benefits
Giving more importance to local food
Increase in the unit cost of beneficiaries
Exempting workers from election duty
Extending gratuity funds across the country
Fixed payment for ASHA workers