Scheme-based workers, identity struggle

• The central government employs millions of regular and contract workers, including Anganwadi workers (AWWs), Anganwadi helpers (AWHs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and Mid-Day-Meals workers (MDMWs).

• These workers perform social and economic functions, such as caring for children and lactating mothers, and improving school enrolment and the nutritional health system.

• Despite recognition of their work, these workers face hardships, including denied basic labour market rights such as workers’ status, minimum wages, and social security.

• SBWs have adopted three strategies to highlight their plight: strikes, legal action, and social dialogue.

• Major central trade unions have organized SBWs extensively, leading to frequent strikes over wage revision.

• The Maharashtra government imposed the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act in 2017 to curb SBWs’ right to go on strike.

• The judiciary has been a significant factor in SBWs’ struggles, with some success after initial setbacks.

• The Supreme Court granted Anganwadis eligibility for gratuity under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, and directed the central and State governments to frame a policy for regularizing AWWs and AWHs as Class III and Class IV grade State employees.

• The Indian Labour Conference (ILC) has recommended treating SBWs as “workers” and paying them minimum wages, pension, health insurance, and provident fund.

• The government is concerned with the cost implications of increasing SBW employment as the population grows.

• SBW organizations are waging relentless struggles to oppose the privatisation of the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS) and strengthen their labour rights.