Massive crowd of workers turn up for ‘Shramik Aakrosh Rally’ at Sabarmati Riverfront

The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) on Monday organised a ‘Shramik Aakrosh Rally’ at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad to highlight long-pending issues of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers, state transport employees, construction labourers, and workers from other sectors. 

According to BMS, a massive crowd from across the state gathered at the rally.

Earlier, Anganwadi workers had also taken to the streets over their unresolved demands. At Memco Circle near the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex ground in Ahmedabad, Anganwadi workers raised slogans against the government and staged a protest. Furthermore, they have announced that from December 1, around 1,000 Anganwadi workers will begin a hunger strike.

In August 2024, Gujarat High Court had issued a directive that Anganwadi workers should be paid a monthly salary of ₹38,240 and helpers should receive ₹20,300. 

However, even after more than a year, the state government has not implemented the high court’s order. The workers allege that despite their crucial role in the ICDS scheme, the government has shown no willingness to resolve their salary issues.

The workers have also demanded:

• Increasing the retirement age to 60 years
• Providing transfer opportunities for Anganwadi workers
• Immediate distribution of mobile phones for work purposes

Despite repeated protests, rallies, and representations, workers claim that no minister or secretary has shown readiness for dialogue. They also allege that although ₹42,000 was paid to rent a plot at the riverfront for the rally, the AMC cancelled the booking at the last moment. Similarly, police also denied permission for a rally route from Shaheed Stadium to Memco crossroads.

The Gujarat State Anganwadi Employees Union has now declared that from December 1 to 10, around 1,000 Anganwadi workers will go on a hunger strike to intensify their protest.