CITU Demands Regularization of ANMs in Gadwal
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has called for the immediate regularization of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) who are working on a contract basis in the Health Department. District President A. Venkataswamy and Secretary V.V. Narasimha led the protest in Gadwal. As part of the demonstration, they submitted an indefinite strike notice to District Medical and Health Officer Siddappa (DMHO) and organized a protest at the District Collectorate on Thursday.
CITU leaders emphasized that the union’s State Committee has initiated statewide indefinite protests to push for this demand. In line with the movement, the Jogulamba Gadwal district union submitted their strike notice, urging the government to regularize ANMs immediately.
The protesters highlighted that many ANMs have been working for over 20 years and should be regularized without requiring them to take a written exam. They reminded everyone that earlier protests and strikes under CITU had forced the government to set up a three-member committee to address the issue. However, instead of engaging with unions, the committee issued a new recruitment notification for ANMs, which the union finds unacceptable.
CITU leaders demanded the government cancel the written examination, hold discussions with union representatives, and regularize the services of ANMs without further delay. They questioned why new recruitment notifications were being issued while ignoring the long-standing contributions of experienced ANMs.
The union also pointed out that many ANMs, aged between 45 and 55, face significant challenges in preparing for competitive exams at this stage of their careers. Despite heavy workloads, inadequate transportation, and challenging working conditions, these ANMs have continued to serve their communities.
To address their grievances, the union demanded several changes. These include adding a 50-mark service weightage to the recruitment process, removing the age limit, ensuring equal pay for equal work, and providing ex gratia and health insurance benefits. They also called on the government to increase the number of sub-centers based on population needs to reduce the workload on ANMs.
CITU leaders warned that they would continue their indefinite agitation until the government resolves the issues faced by the ANMs.
Prominent participants in the protest included CITU District Vice President Upper Narasimha and ANMs such as Nagamma, Bharathi, Shyamala, Aruna, Pushpa, Venkateswarramma, Mariamma, and Saraswathi, along with others.
