Punjab follows Maharashtra: anganwadi workers' long march shakes the state

After Maharashtra, a long march has begun in Punjab too against the anti-people policies of the central and state governments. More than five thousand people are taking part. Anganwadi helpers, who get only Rs 2,700 a month, and anganwadi workers, who get only Rs 5,000, have braved 44-degree heat to protest strongly against the government and demand higher wages.

But the state government, and the Modi government, which keeps trying to privatise anganwadis, are still turning their faces away from the people's protest.

Inspired by the historic victory of the farmers' long march in Maharashtra, which shook the country, the workers have come out to make history in Punjab as well.

Led by the CITU, the long march began from Fatehgarh on Monday and will cover 50 kilometres in three days, ending on Wednesday in the state capital, Chandigarh. Anganwadi workers in Punjab are paid a mere Rs 5,400 a month, and helpers Rs 90 a day, or Rs 2,700 a month. The marchers raise basic demands: a decent increase in their meagre pay, regularisation of workers, and an end to the closure of anganwadis.

Although all the media, including the national media, have ignored it, the enthusiasm of the march has not dimmed at all. As in Maharashtra, people including street vendors are bringing the marchers water and snacks, and many wait by the roadside to greet them.