Protests by ASHA and Anganwadi Workers
The ongoing protests by ASHA and anganwadi workers in West Bengal highlight the demand for increased wages to ₹15,000 per month.
Background and Historical Context
- The earlier government initially denied these workers 'worker' status under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS).
- This set a precedent for bypassing labor laws for these workers.
- Despite increased workloads, the formation of a national union in 1989 did not lead to permanent government jobs.
Judicial and Governmental Actions
- Karnataka vs Ameerbi (1996): Tribunal decision excluded anganwadi workers from being classified as government employees.
- The ASHA programme emerged in the mid-2000s but followed a similar trajectory, labeling them as ‘activists’ rather than employees.
- Recommendations for job regularization were ignored in the 2010s by governments.
Budgetary and Fiscal Issues
- In 2015, the government reduced the ICDS budget, exacerbating financial strain on workers.
- The Centre froze its contribution to workers' pay in 2018, forcing ASHA and anganwadi workers to manage fiscal challenges independently.
State-Level Disparities
- States have more authority in hiring and resolving disputes, with unions leveraging electoral pressure.
- There is significant disparity between states in terms of benefits offered to these workers.
- Wealthier states or those under Union pressure can provide more benefits compared to fiscally constrained states.
Recommendations and the Path Forward
- The Centre should legally reclassify these workers as statutory employees under the Code on Social Security.
- This reclassification should ensure minimum wages and pension coverage.
- Fiscal gaps between states must be addressed to ensure equitable pay for all workers.
Institutionalizing these protections is essential to grant these workers their rightful dignity and improve their working conditions.
