Sacked 3 yrs ago, Anganwadi workers in Delhi say: ‘Will not give up now… were never at fault’

On March 13, 2022, 884 Anganwadi workers and helpers were terminated from their jobs following more than a month-long protest to press for better wages. This was after the Essential Services Maintenance Act was imposed, following a protest by the women in front of the Delhi Secretariat under the banner of ‘Anganwadi Stree Adhikar Rally’ on March 8.

While around 750 of the women have been reinstated since then, the matter has reached the Delhi High Court, which will hear the case next on March 21.

One of the women, who is yet to be reinstated by the department, said, “The exploitation continues… While we have not backed down, we are afraid. A large group of workers has been reinstated, but a small section has been left behind. I was told that I was not reinstated, as I was outspoken. I don’t even expect a wage increase… how could I, when they didn’t even pay us on time?”

Savita Yadav (53), also yet to be reinstated, is a single mother. She had worked as an Anganwadi worker since 2007 in Karawal Nagar. “They are not allowing Anganwadi workers to live. Everybody is threatened by the department. Those who have rejoined work are constantly under pressure. They did not pay me my salary for January 2023,” she said, adding that while she use to be paid Rs 9,741 every month, helpers received a honorarium of Rs 4,739.

“My husband has passed away… I worked as a tailor and as a cook in households to survive. My elder daughter was forced to start work because we could not make ends meet. With the union’s help, we have fought for three years, and we will not give up now. I am confident that we will win this case. We were never at fault.”

Priyambada Sharma, the DSAWHU convenor, said a representation will soon be sent to the newly-formed BJP government in Delhi seeking reinstatement of the remaining workers and helpers.

“Today, we mark three years of the struggle… Many women are afraid… Their families are suffering. They have not even been guaranteed minimum wages, which should be their basic right… instead they are being overburdened and exploited.”

As part of Sunday’s event, a documentary titled When They Painted The City Red – produced by the Progressive Artists League – was screened. The film chronicles the 2022 protest. A play, Kahani Ek Anganwadi Aurat Ki, inspired by famous playwright Safdar Hashmi’s work, was also presented by the Anganwadi workers’ theatre group Aparajita.

A book stall featuring literature on women’s and children’s issues was set up, along with a dedicated children’s corner filled with toys and paintings. The festival concluded with a rally, as the workers took to the streets in protest. One of the attendees was Supreme Court advocate Colin Gonsalves.