Amidst a protracted strike lasting 37 days, Anganwadi workers and helpers in Andhra Pradesh escalated their protest by initiating an indefinite fast on January 17. The protesters, numbering around one lakh, have been advocating for the resolution of their longstanding issues, emphasizing the government’s lack of consideration for their genuine demands.
K.S. Lakshmana Rao, a PDF Member of the Legislative Council, inaugurated the protest camp at Dharna Chowk in Vijayawada. Despite five rounds of talks between the agitating workers and the state government, led by V.R. Jyothi, the State general secretary of the A.P. Pragathiseela Anganwadi Workers and Helpers’ Union, no substantial progress has been made.
The workers allege negligence of the Anganwadi sector by the government, prompting leaders from various associations to join the indefinite fast program, intensifying their call for attention to their grievances.