Shimla, May 23
The Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union, affiliated with CITU, has strongly opposed the Election Commission’s direction assigning Anganwadi workers the responsibility of preparing food for Panchayat election staff during polling duty in Himachal Pradesh.
In a press note issued by the State Committee of the union on Saturday the organisation termed the decision “unjustified” and demanded immediate withdrawal of the order. The union leaders argued that Anganwadi workers are already burdened with excessive responsibilities and compelling them to cook meals for election personnel would further increase their workload.
The union stated that polling parties usually reach polling stations a day before polling and remain engaged till late night on election duty.
Since Anganwadi centres are run entirely by women workers and helpers, the union questioned how female employees would manage cooking duties late into the night for polling teams, most of whom comprise male officials.
The statement pointed out that workers may have to remain at polling booths till 10 or 11 pm to prepare and serve food, raising concerns about their safety and mobility during late hours.
The union maintained that Anganwadi workers and helpers have never previously been assigned night duty for election-related work.
The State Committee alleged that despite an official holiday being declared on polling day, Anganwadi workers would effectively be deprived of leave if they are required to report for food preparation duties.
CITU-affiliated union leaders Neelam Jaiswal and Veena Sharma said the organisation “strongly opposes” the directive and urged the State Government and Election authorities not to force Anganwadi employees into additional non-departmental duties.
The union warned that assigning such responsibilities without consultation could create resentment among Anganwadi workers across the State ahead of the Panchayat elections.
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