PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said that the seven Anganwadi workers who are on strike will be reinstated on duty with a condition that they give in writing that they will henceforth not get involved in any politically-motivated strike. The Anganwadi workers have agreed to the Chief Minister's condition and have decided to give the letter to the government.
"Anganwadi workers met me. I have told them to withdraw the strike and give us in writing that henceforth they will not do such a strike or agitation which is politically motivated," said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
The Anganwadi workers, who have been on strike at Azad Maidan for the last 25 days, began a chain hunger strike six days ago to demand the revocation of their termination orders.
The health of some of them had started deteriorating with some being moved to hospital.
President of Goa Union of Anganwadi Workers (GUAW) Devyani Tamse said that their strike was never politically motivated and they are ready to give this in writing to the Chief Minister.
"We are not supported by any political party. We are ready to give them in writing," said Tamse.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Michael Lobo met the agitating Anganwadi workers and pursued them to withdraw the strike and give it in writing to the Chief Minister.
"I am folding my hands to the Chief Minister. These are poor ladies whose families are dependent on their income," said Michael Lobo.
"CM should take back these workers forgetting what has happened in the past on humanitarian grounds."
"They are not members of any political parties. Political parties are giving them backing just to support their cause," said Lobo.
"If Chief Minister wants in writing then let them give in writing that they are not members of a political party, they have not received any backing from any political party, neither any political party has told them to participate in a strike," said Lobo.
The Anganwadi workers have demanded payment for the last three months.
The Department of Women and Child terminated the services of these seven Anganwadi employees last April stating that they formed a new union and protested which was politically motivated.
