The All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers (AIFAWH) condemns the brutal lathi charge and repression of the striking anganwadi workers and helpers by the Nitish Kumar Government in Patna, Bihar on November 7, 2023.
Anganwadi Workers and Helpers have been on an indefinite strike since September 29, 2023, demanding the state government to implement its election promise of doubling their wages, make their wages par with states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and MP, and implement the Supreme Court order on payment of gratuity.
Instead of talking to the striking workers, the government has resorted to repression, including retrenchment of the workers and helpers. On November 7, 2023, the government unleashed terror on the workers who had assembled at Patna for a padav. Water cannon was used and workers were lathi charged. A few leaders were arrested and detained. However, the workers and helpers blocked the Dak Bangla Chauraha, the main junction of Patna city, till evening when the arrested workers were released.
Left MLAs also protested in front of the Assembly in support of the striking workers.
AIFAWH demands that the Bihar government immediately have dialogue with the unions and reach a settlement by agreeing to their just demands. AIFAWH has also called upon all its state units to write to the Chief Minister of Bihar for the same. If the government does not resolve the matter immediately, AIFAWH will organize nationwide protests against the Bihar government.
