Supreme Court to Examine Forced Anganwadi Workers' Deployment in Special Response Duties
The Supreme Court will hear a plea challenging the forced deployment of Anganwadi workers in Special Incident Response (SIR) duties, arguing it violates their fundamental rights.
Photo by Rishu Bhosale
त्वरित संशोधन
Anganwadi workers are primarily involved in the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme.
The plea argues that forcing Anganwadi workers into Special Incident Response (SIR) duties violates Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty) and Article 23 (Prohibition of Forced Labour).
The duties are often related to law and order, diverting workers from their core responsibilities.
The Supreme Court bench includes Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud.
परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Fundamental Rights (Article 21, 23 and their judicial interpretations)
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) related to child welfare, health, and labor (Articles 39, 42, 47)
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme and its objectives
Role of the Supreme Court as a protector of fundamental rights
Labor laws and social security for informal/frontline workers
Challenges in public service delivery and governance issues related to frontline workers
विस्तृत सारांश देखें
सारांश
The Supreme Court has decided to hear a petition challenging the practice of compelling Anganwadi workers to perform Special Incident Response (SIR) duties. This plea argues that such deployment violates their fundamental rights, specifically the right to life and liberty (Article 21) and the prohibition of forced labor (Article 23). Anganwadi workers are primarily engaged in delivering services under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, focusing on child and maternal health and nutrition.
The petitioners contend that forcing them into SIR duties, which often involve law and order situations, diverts them from their core responsibilities and exposes them to undue risks, effectively amounting to forced labor. This case highlights the precarious working conditions of frontline workers and raises crucial questions about their rights and the scope of government deployment.
पृष्ठभूमि
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, launched in 1975, is one of the world's largest programs for early childhood development. Anganwadi workers are the frontline, community-based functionaries of this scheme, primarily focusing on child and maternal health, nutrition, and pre-school education.
Historically, these workers have been engaged on an honorarium basis, leading to persistent demands for better wages, recognition as government employees, and clear job descriptions. Over time, they have often been deployed for various non-ICDS duties, including election duties, census operations, and disaster management, raising concerns about their core responsibilities and working conditions.
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding Article 23 of the Indian Constitution: 1. It prohibits 'begar' and similar forms of forced labor, but does not explicitly define 'forced labor'. 2. The State is permitted to impose compulsory service for public purposes, even if it involves discrimination on grounds of religion or race. 3. The Supreme Court, in various judgments, has held that work for remuneration less than the minimum wage amounts to 'forced labor'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is correct. Article 23(1) prohibits 'begar' and other similar forms of forced labor. The term 'forced labor' has been interpreted broadly by the Supreme Court. Statement 2 is incorrect. Article 23(2) states that 'Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from imposing compulsory service for public purposes, and in imposing such service the State shall not make any discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste or class.' The clause 'even if it involves discrimination' makes this statement incorrect. Statement 3 is correct. The Supreme Court in cases like *People's Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India (1982)*, also known as the Asiad Workers case, held that payment of wages less than the minimum wage amounts to 'forced labor' under Article 23.
2. With reference to the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, consider the following statements: 1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 2. Its primary beneficiaries include children up to 6 years of age and pregnant and lactating mothers. 3. The objectives of ICDS are largely aligned with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) enshrined in Articles 39(e), 39(f), and 47. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. While ICDS is a centrally sponsored scheme, it is implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, not the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Statement 2 is correct. ICDS provides a package of services including supplementary nutrition, immunization, health check-up, referral services, pre-school non-formal education, and nutrition & health education to children below 6 years and pregnant/lactating women. Statement 3 is correct. Article 39(e) directs the state to ensure the health and strength of workers and children are not abused. Article 39(f) mandates that children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and are protected against exploitation. Article 47 places a duty on the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health. ICDS directly contributes to these DPSP objectives.
3. In the context of the working conditions of frontline workers in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Supreme Court has, in various judgments, emphasized the 'right to live with human dignity' as an integral part of Article 21, extending to fair working conditions. 2. The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, aims to prevent any form of forced labor, including those arising from economic compulsions. 3. Anganwadi workers are classified as regular government employees, entitling them to all benefits and protections applicable to central government staff. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is correct. The Supreme Court has indeed interpreted Article 21 broadly to include the right to live with human dignity, which encompasses fair and humane working conditions, protection from exploitation, and a living wage. Statement 2 is correct. The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, was enacted to give effect to Article 23 and aims to abolish all forms of bonded labor, which often arise from economic compulsions and debt. Statement 3 is incorrect. Anganwadi workers are not classified as regular government employees. They are honorarium-based workers, which is a key part of the ongoing debate about their rights and working conditions, as highlighted in the news.
Source Articles
Supreme Court to hear plea against forcing Tamil Nadu Anganwadi workers into BLO work under threat of punishment, job loss - The Hindu
‘Without the fight, there are no rights’ | Terminated anganwadi workers in Delhi seek reinstatement - The Hindu
Sivagangai man arrested for harassing anganwadi workers - The Hindu
Anganwadi workers demand better working conditions - The Hindu
Tamil Nadu anganwadi workers stage sit-in protest; Minister warns of disciplinary action - The Hindu