Anganwadi Workers Defy Esma, Launch Relay Hunger Strike

Visakhapatnam: Determined to secure better pay and working conditions, Anganwadi workers in Visakhapatnam have defied the state government's invocation of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (Esma) and launched a relay hunger strike.

Undeterred by the potential legal consequences, ten workers began their protest at the Gandhi statue on Saturday morning, vowing to continue until their demands are met. “We are not cowed down by the government’s threats,” declared P. Mani, honorary president of the AP Anganwadi Workers’ Welfare Association. “We will continue to agitate for our rights.”

As a symbol of unwavering support, eighty-five more workers are slated to join the hunger strike in shifts, demonstrating the depth of their resolve.

Visakhapatnam alone boasts 1,552 Anganwadi workers.