Thousands of Anganwadi workers from across Gujarat staged a large protest in Gandhinagar on Monday, demanding resolution of long-standing employment and operational issues. The demonstration, organised by the Bharatiya Anganwadi Karmachari Mahasangh, began with a march from GH-1.5 Circle to the Satyagraha Camp in Sector 6, amid tight police security.
Workers submitted a memorandum to Women and Child Development Minister Bhanu Babariya, highlighting demands such as permanent employment status, better pay, improved working conditions, and implementation of key court rulings.
At the heart of the protest was the Gujarat High Court&rsquo;s August 2024 verdict, uploaded in October, which declared Anganwadi workers and helpers eligible for permanent government positions. The court had directed the state to draft a policy within six months, a deadline that passed in February 2025 with no action taken.
Protesters also cited the Supreme Court&rsquo;s 2022 order in the Maniben Maganbhai Bhariya case, which recommended applying the Gratuity Act, 1972, to Anganwadi staff and improving service conditions.
Additional demands included exemption from non-ICDS Booth Level Officer (BLO) duties, better compensation for handling nutrition stock under the MMY scheme, and the urgent recruitment of workers during school holidays without written exams.
Anganwadi staff also expressed frustration over outdated or unavailable tech tools needed for digital reporting, requesting 5G-compatible smartphones to streamline workloads.
The memorandum further called for expanding MMY store services, increasing snack budgets, and ensuring timely distribution of incentives. Workers made it clear they would not end their protest until concrete policy action is taken.
A source familiar with the situation said, &ldquo;The court gave the state six months to act. That time has lapsed, and workers have no choice but to protest.&rdquo;

Gujarat Anganwadi Workers Demand Job Reforms

Thousands voice anger over ignored deadlines and overdue policies

Gujarat Anganwadi Workers Demand Job Reforms

Thousands voice anger over ignored deadlines and overdue policies

August 4, 2025 | 18:54 IST