Anganwadi union takes inspiration from Meghalaya

GUWAHATI: Meghalaya's Anganwadi workers' movement for rights and privileges has become an inspiration for their counterparts in Assam. The newly-formed Assam State Anganwadi Sahayika Union (Asasu), affiliated to the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), has sought help and cooperation from the Meghalaya Anganwadi Workers' and Helpers' Union (MAWHU) to start a similar movement for the rights of Anganwadi workers in Assam.

MAWHU, which is also affiliated to AITUC, has been successful in organizing the Anganwadi workers and helpers in seeking the rights and privileges for them from the Meghalaya government.

"In Meghalaya, our union has been very strong and proactive in seeking the rights and privileges for Anganwadi workers and helpers. Anganwadi workers and helpers in Meghalaya are now organized because of the movement we launched in our state. We want to see our counterpart in Assam become organized so that they can seek their rights proactively," MAWHU general secretary, Diangtimai Lyngdoh said.

Lyngdoh and Meghalaya AITUC general secretary Eva Blah took part in a protest march organized by Asasu here on Saturday. Asasu, formed in January this year, wanted to organize all the Anganwadi workers and helpers in Assam under a trade union so that they can press for better job opportunities. Asasu has been seeking better pay, facilities and regularization of their jobs among other demands.

"They (MAWHU) have led a strong movement for Aganwadi workers and helpers in Meghalaya,and they have been able to get many benefits from the government because of their organized activism. We want to build a similar kind of movement and experiences of MAWHU will be of great help for us in Assam," Assam AITUC general secretary, Munin Mahanta said.

Lyngdoh said she is looking forward to a strong united movement in Assam and Meghalaya in coming days. "We have been able to achieve many of the benefits for our members because of our persistent struggle. Assam and Meghalaya should join hands for a stronger movement in near future," Lyngdoh said.