The Payment Of Gratuity Act, 1972 And Its Long- Running Conflict With The Anganwadi Workers (AWWS) And Anganwadi Helpers (AWHS)

Sona S, University of Kerala

ABSTRACT

The Payment of Gratuity Act,1972 which received its assent from the President of India on August 21,1972 is a benevolent piece of social legislation which have a broad scope and bring under its purview the entire organised sector of industry and commerce. Since its enactment and through many judicial interpretations, the Act of 1972 has brought under its umbrella many institutions as “establishments” and its employees as “workers” entitled to receive gratuity. Yet the plight of Anganwadi Workers(AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) in Anganwadi Centres set up under Integrated Child Development Scheme have not seen the fore-front despite them being a bridge between their respective state governments and the targeted beneficiaries. The article focuses on how the AWWs and AWHs should be considered as workers in establishments as per The Payment of Gratuity Act,1972 and the recent judicial decision which alleviates the struggles of the workers. I would also like to point out my insight on the social conditions that they are working in so as to conclude by pointing out the various measures that could be implemented by the concerned authorities for the welfare of AWWs and AWHs.