UDF exits Kerala Assembly over anganwadi workers' pay issue

In the Kerala Assembly on March 20, 2025, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) staged a walkout. This happened after Speaker A.N. Shamseer refused to allow a motion to discuss the demands of protesting anganwadi workers. The workers are asking for a pay increase to ₹21,000. The UDF accused the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government of neglecting the important work done by anganwadi workers. These workers provide food, education, health services, and various community support tasks. They are currently on strike for the fourth day in front of the Secretariat to advocate for their pay issues. Legislator Najeeb Kanthapuram mentioned that over 65,000 anganwadi workers are impacted. Minister for Law P. Rajeeve responded, stating that agreements had been reached with the workers' organizations. He noted the distinctions in pay based on years of service, but many still feel undercompensated. Some anganwadi workers earn as little as ₹4,500 a month. The Union government contributes only ₹2,750 of this amount. Workers face high daily expenses and some retired workers have not received pensions for nine months. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan criticized the meager pay. He highlighted that anganwadi workers are paid ₹300-₹350 per day, which is far below the minimum wage of ₹700 for unskilled workers. He claimed that the government is ignoring their struggles, causing significant hardship. This prompted the UDF's walkout from the Assembly.