Decode Politics: A 42-day strike in Andhra ends — why YSRCP moved fast to defuse it

Anganwadi workers in Andhra Pradesh who had been on strike for 42 days called it off on Tuesday morning after reaching an agreement with the state government. The strike was called off after the government agreed to address 10 of the workers’ 11 demands. This came days after new state Congress president Y S Sharmila, the sister of Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, talked about meeting the striking workers, and other Opposition parties targeted the government over its response to the workers’ demands.

Anganwadi Workers’ Union President G Rani on Tuesday said, “They (government) have assured us that they will implement our demands and we are satisfied with their assurance.”

* Implement salary increments scheduled for July next year, in line with a mutual agreement

* Provide life insurance coverage, including a Rs 2-lakh accident insurance policy, to Anganwadi workers and helpers starting this year

* Increase age limit for the appointment of Anganwadi assistants from 45 years to 50 years

* Pay Anganwadi workers Travel Allowance (TA) and Dearness Allowance (DA) on a monthly and bi-monthly basis, respectively

* Set the upper age limit for the continued service of Anganwadi workers and helpers at 62 years

* Approved end-of-service benefits, providing Rs 1 lakh to Anganwadi workers and Rs 40,000 to helpers after they turn 62 years

* Sanctioned Rs. 66.54-crore fund for Anganwadi centres in rented buildings

* Allocate Rs. 7.81 crore for 55,607 centres to address sanitation requirements

* Release Rs. 6.36 crores for 21,206 centres at a rate of Rs 3,000 per centre to cover maintenance expenses, including painting walls and minor repairs

The YSRCP initially took a tough stand against the Anganwadi workers but softened up due to the