Preparations in Full Swing for April 9th Sit-in by Anganwadi and Crèche Workers

Preparations in Full Swing for April 9th Sit-in by Anganwadi and Crèche Workers

Chandigarh 31 March ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : Preparations are in full swing for the sit-in demonstration scheduled for April 9th in front of the Department of Social Welfare, Sector 17, organized under the banner of the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union and the Crèche Employees and Helpers Union. In this regard, union office-bearers are visiting all Anganwadi and Crèche centers to mobilize and raise awareness among the workers and helpers regarding the upcoming April 9th protest. It is noteworthy that the decision to hold this protest was taken during a massive public rally held on March 19, 2026, in Sector 30, attended by Anganwadi workers, Crèche workers, and helpers.

This rally witnessed a massive turnout, with workers and helpers from various Anganwadi centers—along with Crèche workers and helpers—participating in large numbers. During the public rally, a unanimous resolution was passed to stage a *Satyagraha* (peaceful protest) in the form of a massive sit-in demonstration on April 9, 2026, in front of the Department of Social Welfare's office. In a meeting held today, union office-bearers strongly condemned the officials of the Department of Social Welfare; they criticized the fact that, despite repeated submission of demand charters and the staging of protests, the officials have failed to engage in dialogue to resolve the workers' demands, thereby compelling the union to decide to intensify its struggle. While sharply condemning the Social Welfare Department officials during the meeting, the union leaders stated that, on one hand, the Department beats its own drum about public welfare and claims to be taking its schemes to every citizen; yet, on the other hand, it is actively attempting to harass the very women who work day and night within the Department. Furthermore, despite repeated submission of memorandums of demands and declarations of protest by the Anganwadi and Crèche workers and helpers, the Department continues to refuse to engage in dialogue with union representatives to resolve these issues. 

Among the key demands: The DC (Deputy Commissioner) rate of wages must be implemented for all ICDS personnel; 100% promotion opportunities for Workers and Helpers must be ensured; fixed duty hours must be established in accordance with ICDS guidelines; honorariums must be paid on time; and the practice of issuing baseless, threatening warning letters—intended to pressure Helpers and Workers—must cease. The termination orders of 7 Crèche Workers and Helpers must be revoked, and they must be reinstated to duty; furthermore, the retirement orders issued to 5 Crèche Workers and Helpers—who were retired at the age of 60 instead of 65—must be cancelled, and they too must be reinstated. Retired official Naresh Sharma must be barred from entering the office premises and prevented from interfering in official administrative affairs. During the meeting, a stern warning was reiterated: if these demands are not resolved expeditiously, a joint protest demonstration will definitely be staged on April 9, 2026, in front of the Social Welfare Department office in Sector 17. All Anganwadi and Crèche employees were urged to participate in the April 9th protest in large numbers.