Former AIADMK Minister Velumani Pledges Support to Protesting Anganwadi Workers in Coimbatore
In a significant show of solidarity, former AIADMK minister S P Velumani visited mid-day meal and anganwadi workers who have been staging protests outside the south taluk office in Coimbatore for over a week. The workers have been boycotting work in a statewide indefinite strike, demanding urgent action from the state government on long-pending issues.
Workers' Demands and Government Inaction
The protesting workers have put forth a comprehensive list of demands, including:
- Implementation of periodic wage increases to ensure fair compensation.
- Promotions for employees with over 10 years of experience to recognize their service.
- Establishment of a pension scheme for financial security post-retirement.
- Filling of all vacant positions to address staffing shortages.
- A minimum wage of Rs 19,500 to meet basic living standards.
Central to their protest is the unfulfilled promise made by the DMK in its 2021 assembly election manifesto, which pledged to grant anganwadi workers permanent government employee status. Despite this commitment, the state government has not taken any concrete steps toward implementation, leading to widespread frustration and the ongoing strike.
Velumani's Visit and AIADMK's Stance
During his visit, Velumani extended the AIADMK's full support to the protesters, offering them fruits as a gesture of solidarity. He emphasized that the party stands firmly with the workers in their struggle for justice and better working conditions.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Velumani criticized the state government's lack of response. "Even after so many days, none of the state officials, including the district collector, has taken any step towards negotiations," he stated. "These workers have been protesting along with their children, highlighting the urgency of their situation. We demand that the state government hold immediate talks with the workers and arrive at an amicable agreement."
Political Action and Future Steps
Velumani announced that the AIADMK plans to move a calling attention motion in the upcoming assembly session to formally raise the workers' issues. This move aims to bring legislative focus to the demands and pressure the government into taking action.
The protest in Coimbatore is part of a larger statewide movement, with workers across Tamil Nadu joining the indefinite strike to voice their grievances. The involvement of a prominent political figure like Velumani underscores the growing political significance of the issue, potentially escalating it into a major point of contention between the ruling DMK and opposition parties.
As the strike continues, all eyes are on the state government to see if it will initiate dialogue and address the workers' demands, or if the protests will intensify further with increased political backing.
