Andhra Pradesh Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union (AP AWW&HU) is a trade union in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh representing Anganwadi workers and helpers under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. The union is affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), a national federation linked to the Communist Party of India (Marxist). It works to improve the employment conditions of Anganwadi staff, including demands for regularization, wage revisions, and access to social security.
Background
The ICDS programme, implemented in Andhra Pradesh through the Women Development and Child Welfare Department, covers early childhood nutrition, preschool education, and maternal health services. Anganwadi workers and helpers are deployed to deliver these services at the village level, but are not classified as regular government employees. As a result, they are excluded from standard pay scales, pensions, and job protections.
The Andhra Pradesh Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union was formed to advocate for these workers, focusing on issues such as job security, fixed salaries, and post-retirement benefits.
Protests and demands
The union has been active in organizing protests to demand changes to the employment status and benefits of Anganwadi staff. Common demands include recognition as permanent government employees, implementation of minimum wage norms, and access to welfare schemes like the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) and Employees' Provident Fund (EPF).
In December 2023, the union led a week-long strike involving thousands of Anganwadi workers across multiple districts. The protest called for service regularization and pension entitlements, and received support from CITU and other affiliated bodies.
Earlier in the same month, the union launched coordinated demonstrations at ICDS project offices, including road blockades and sit-ins.
Protests continued into 2025. In February, the union held state-wide dharnas seeking higher honorariums and regular disbursal of payments.