Mass Detention of Anganwadi and Noon-Meal Workers in Coimbatore Protest
In a significant demonstration of discontent, more than 1,000 anganwadi and noon-meal workers were detained by police in Coimbatore on Tuesday. The workers had staged a rod roko or road blockade in front of the district collector office, demanding a substantial increase in their salaries and other long-overdue benefits.
Protest Details and Demands
The protest was organized by the Tamil Nadu Noon-Meal and Anganwadi Workers' Associations Federation, with participants raising slogans to highlight their grievances. Key demands included the implementation of a time-scale pay system for both anganwadi and noon-meal workers, as well as the filling of approximately 60,000 vacant posts in these critical sectors.
Speaking at the protest, S Sobia, the district president of the Tamil Nadu Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Association, emphasized the financial struggles faced by the workers. She revealed that anganwadi workers have been receiving a meager monthly salary of just Rs 12,000, while their assistants earn only Rs 5,000, with no increments for the past nine years.
Political Promises and Worker Frustrations
The protest was also aimed at pressing the government to fulfill promises made by the DMK during the 2021 assembly elections. These commitments included not only the time-scale pay but also benefits such as one month of annual leave and the permission to combine one day of leave per month into 12 days of leave per year.
Workers expressed frustration over the delay in implementing these assurances, which they argue are essential for improving their livelihoods and working conditions.
Police Action and Aftermath
In response to the road blockade, police authorities detained a total of 872 anganwadi workers and assistants, along with 200 noon-meal workers. They were removed from the protest site to clear the area and ensure public order. Fortunately, all detained individuals were let off later without any further legal action.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by essential workers in Tamil Nadu and highlights the urgent need for government intervention to address their legitimate demands.
