Anganwadi workers’ union demands gratuity for retired employees

The Joint Action Committee of Karnataka State Anganwadi Workers’ Union has decided to go on strike at Freedom Park in Bengaluru from November 6, demanding that gratuity (retirement allowance) be given to all those who have been continuously serving as Anganwadi workers and helpers since 1975 and have retired since 2011-12 as per the Payment of Gratuity Act 1972 and the Supreme Court verdict.

Speaking at a press conference here on Friday, M. Jayamma, general secretary of the union, said, “The Supreme Court has ruled on April 25, 2022, that Anganwadi workers and helpers working under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) of the Women and Child Development Department are eligible to receive gratuity under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972.”

She emphasised that Anganwadi worker work is not part-time, but full time. However, the government is not paying them proper salaries and other benefits, she said. The remuneration received by Anganwadi workers is also subject to the definition of salary, she argued.

The government’s decision to provide gratuity to those who retire after 2023 should be modified and the gratuity should be applicable to all those who joined the service from 1975 and retired from 2011-12, she demanded.