600 Asha, Anganwadi workers protest SIR duty

More than 600 Asha and Anganwadi workers protested at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, demanding exemption from Special Intensive Revision (SIR) election-related duties.

Over 75,000 Asha workers and more than one lakh Anganwadi workers across Maharashtra have been deployed as Booth Level Officers or assistant BLOs for electoral roll revision.

The protestors argue that election duties compromise essential healthcare services including maternal and child healthcare, malnutrition management, and distribution of nutritional supplements.

A delegation met Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S Chokalingam to urge relief from SIR responsibilities.

Workers reported being forced to work late nights and Sundays for SIR work, with threats of notices and FIRs for non-compliance.