Over 600 'Anandadhara' workers rally demanding fixed pay, submit deputations to Raj Bhavan

Workers associated with the 'Anandadhara' project, particularly the "SC" (Sangha Coordinator) employees, are far from "Anand" (joy). Instead, they claim to be deprived and neglected. On Friday, these 'Anandadhara' project SC workers organized a protest march centered around a ten-point charter of demands. They also submitted deputations to Nabanna (State Secretariat), Raj Bhavan, and the Mission Director.

The protest march commenced from Raja Subodh Mallick Square, proceeding along S.N. Banerjee Road, and culminated with the 'SC' women workers standing at Dharmatala More. Over 600 workers from various districts of the state participated in this demonstration, led by the West Bengal SRLMC Workers' Union, affiliated with the central trade union AIUTUC. Their primary grievance is that despite being involved in empowering rural women financially, they have not received appointment letters.

Furthermore, they allege that their fixed monthly remuneration is not paid on time. Ismat Ara, the leader of the organization, voiced these complaints, highlighting the precarious nature of their employment. Her key demand is to abolish the contract system for 'SC' workers and provide them with permanent employment with government recognition, ensuring job security and proper benefits.

Ismat Ara also demanded that the workers receive their honorarium every month directly into their personal accounts, along with additional remuneration for extra work. She lamented that despite working under the 'Anandadhara' project, there is no joy in their lives, and instead, they face harassment in their workplaces. Another 'SC' worker echoed this sentiment, stating that their significant contributions are not properly evaluated.

Therefore, the protestors demanded an annual increase in their honorarium based on market rates. They also called for the re-employment of all workers who have been removed from their positions without any valid reason. A crucial demand put forth during the protest march was that 'SC' workers should receive benefits such as car allowance, mobile expenses, ESI facilities, and paid maternity leave.

The workers further demanded that they be provided with festival bonuses and retirement benefits, including a one-time assistance of ₹5 lakh and a pension scheme. A significant core demand from the union was for administrative officials to play an active role in ensuring the 'Anandadhara' project is managed transparently and free from corruption. The women members of the West Bengal SRLM SC Workers' Union submitted deputations to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor C.V. Ananda Bose at the end of the rally.