Gujarat Anganwadi and ASHA Workers Launch Protest Over Unfulfilled Government Promises
Anganwadi workers and ASHA facilitators across Gujarat have initiated a significant protest, starting with a boycott of online work. This agitation commenced on March 5, following the government's alleged failure to honour assurances provided in 2022 regarding enhanced facilities and salary revisions.
Widespread Boycott of Online Tasks
According to the Gujarat Anganwadi Employees Organisation and the Gujarat ASHA Health Worker Union, over 80 percent of anganwadi workers have already ceased performing online tasks. The unions highlighted that the government's mobile application is weak, and many workers lack capable smartphones, making digital work challenging. More workers are anticipated to join the protest in the coming days, amplifying the movement's impact.
Unmet Promises on Smartphones and Honorarium
The workers have pointed out that the government promised to provide new smartphones for online work, yet no such provision was announced even in the 2026 state budget. Additionally, assurances made by ministers about increasing their honorarium remain unfulfilled, adding to the frustration and discontent among the workforce.
First Phase of Agitation and Demands
As part of the first phase of the agitation, workers have stopped online activities but continue to run anganwadi centres and carry out all offline services. They are demanding an urgent meeting with the government to resolve 12 pending demands, warning that the protest will persist until their issues are adequately addressed.
Key Demands Include:
- Implementation of salary revisions as promised in 2022.
- Provision of capable smartphones for digital work.
- Improvement of government mobile applications.
- Fulfillment of honorarium increase assurances.
The protest underscores the ongoing challenges faced by frontline health and childcare workers in Gujarat, with calls for immediate government action to meet their legitimate demands and ensure smooth service delivery.
