Crèche women workers hold a rally in front of Bal Bhawan

Indian Child Welfare Council Employees Union organised a protest rally and demonstration today in front of Bal Bhawan Sector 23, opposing the forceful reduction of salaries for over 125 Balsevaks and helpers working in various crèches under the Indian Child Welfare Council. The reduction aims to equalize their salaries with Anganwadi workers and helpers.

Addressing the rally, Union President Rekha Sharma, Vice President Sunita Sharma, Rekha Gora, Lakhwinder Kaur, Vandana Sekhawat, and General Secretary Bihari Lal stated that despite the Indian Child Welfare Council having properties worth crores and funds of Rs 7½-8 crore in fixed deposits and current accounts, the employees salaries are being reduced to match those of Anganwadi workers. This decision was made without obtaining the employees’ consent, and it was revealed that the salary reduction is due to the Council taking a loan from MCBC Corporation due to insufficient funds.

They argued that Anganwadi workers, considered scheme workers, receive honorarium based on their working hours. In contrast, crèche employees care for children continuously for 10-11 hours every day as full-time workers but do not receive a pay scale and DC rate.
The union called for an investigation into this matter, criticizing the decision to reduce the salary of crèche workers under the Palana Scheme and equating it with that of Anganwadi workers.

Union officials emphasized that Anganwadi is a government scheme with a duty time of 4 hours and an honorarium, while Balsevaks and helpers in crèches work for 8 to 10 hours, were previously given a pay scale and DC rate, and have now faced a significant reduction. They expressed their refusal to accept this decision, especially considering the halt of EPF and ESI benefits. A protest demonstration is scheduled for January 12, 2024, in front of Bal Bhawan Sector 23, followed by the announcement of a direct struggle. The union appealed for support from all employees, union federations of different departments in Chandigarh, parents, and other democratic organizations to join the fight against this injustice.

Several speakers, including Gopal Dutt Joshi, General Secretary of the Federation of UT Employees and Workers Chandigarh, Harkesh Chand, Dhyan Singh, Gurmeet Singh, M Subramaniam, Harpal Singh, Thoplan, Prem Pal, Naseeb Singh, also addressed the rally and pledged direct involvement in the ongoing struggle.