Police obstructed march to Jantar Mantar, protesting Anganwadi workers allege

The protesting Anganwadi workers advocated for government employee status, a minimum salary of Rs 25,000 for Anganwadi workers and Rs 20,000 for helpers, release of salary arrears, and access to pension and gratuity benefits.

Priyamwad, the Convenor of the Delhi State Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union, alleged that Delhi Police, allegedly acting on orders from Amit Shah, obstructed the rally's progress since Saturday night. (Photo: Facebook)

The second phase of the Bhagat Singh Jan Adhikar Yatra, scheduled to conclude at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Sunday, encountered disruptions as Delhi Police reportedly detained nine individuals and prevented others from protesting, as stated by the Delhi State Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union (DSAWHU).

Originating on December 10 in Bengaluru, the second leg of the Bhagat Singh Jan Adhikar Yatra traversed more than 80 districts across 13 states, covering over 8500 kilometres. The protesting Anganwadi workers advocated for government employee status, a minimum salary of Rs 25,000 for Anganwadi workers and Rs 20,000 for helpers, release of salary arrears, and access to pension and gratuity benefits.

Priyamwad, the Convenor of the Delhi State Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union, alleged that Delhi Police, allegedly acting on orders from Amit Shah, obstructed the rally’s progress since Saturday night. Priyamwad claimed that police detained individuals overnight and set up blockades to impede the workers’ union from reaching Jantar Mantar on Sunday.

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Rushali, the Media Coordinator of DSAWHU, reported that police prevented the assembly in front of the Palika Kendra near Janpath and obstructed their progress towards Jantar Mantar.

In the Bawana Industrial Area, striking workers gathering to join the rally faced lathi charges, with their buses confiscated. Despite these obstacles, working masses, students, and youth attempted to converge at Jantar Mantar from various parts of Delhi throughout the day. Sabha meetings were organised on buses and at police stations.

As of now, no response has been received from Devesh Mahla, DCP (New Delhi).

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