Anganwadi Workers Protest Across Assam Against Facial Recognition System

Anganwadi workers and helpers across **Assam** observed a black day on **October 12, 2023**, in response to a nationwide call for protest organized by the **All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers** under the **Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)**. The demonstration sought the withdrawal of the proposed **Facial Recognition System (FRS)**, which the workers argue could jeopardize essential services provided under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

Protests unfolded in **districts** throughout Assam, including **Kokrajhar**, **Bongaigaon**, **Chirang**, and **Dibrugarh**, among others. Each location organized gatherings where demonstrators submitted memorandums to local administrations, specifically addressing the **Union Women and Child Development Minister** **Dr. Annapurna Devi**. The protesters urged the immediate scrapping of the FRS.

In **Guwahati**, over **300** Anganwadi workers gathered near **Meghdoot Bhawan**, rallying under the banner of the **Kamrup Metropolitan District Committee**. Key leaders at the protest included **district secretary Junu Chetia** and president **Monika Dutta**, with **state secretary Indira Newar** delivering a poignant address.

Newar criticized the central government’s implementation of the FRS, alleging it aimed to reduce the number of beneficiaries receiving benefits from the ICDS. She stated, “Making facial recognition mandatory for ration distribution will only harass both beneficiaries and Anganwadi workers.” She expressed concern that such a system could undermine early childhood education and exacerbate malnutrition in vulnerable regions.

Demonstrators highlighted significant issues with the FRS’s practicality. Many families possess only one mobile number linked to multiple **Aadhaar** cards, while others lack access to mobile phones or means to recharge them. This raises questions about the feasibility of implementing a facial recognition system in a way that is equitable and effective.

The **Kamrup Metropolitan unit** also submitted a memorandum to **Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma** through the district administration, emphasizing the urgency of their demands. The leaders warned that if the FRS is not revoked, they would initiate a series of intensified protests in the coming weeks.

The mobilization of Anganwadi workers in Assam reflects a broader concern about the implications of technology on social welfare programs. As the protests continue, the future of the FRS and its impact on child development services remains uncertain, with advocates calling for an approach that prioritizes the needs of beneficiaries and the workers who support them.