Over Rs 80 crores have been allocated to meet immediate demands and provide relief to the protesting workforce.
Anganwadi Workers Protest Unfulfilled Salary Commitment
In a significant turn of events on December 12, Andhra Pradesh witnessed the closure of nearly 55,000 Anganwadi centres, as over 1 lakh Anganwadi workers and helpers staged a protest against the perceived silence of the YSRCP government. Their demands, pending for a decade, were promised resolution by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy upon assuming power in 2019.
జగనాసురుడి మోసాలు, అణిచివేతలపై పాట రూపంలో అంగన్వాడీల ఆవేదన.#WhyAPHatesJagan #JusticeForAnganwadis#AndhraPradesh #JaganLosingIn2024 pic.twitter.com/CmU2t9NaL6
— Telugu Desam Party (@JaiTDP) December 23, 2023
The crux of their discontent lies in the unfulfilled commitment made by the Chief Minister during his opposition days to increase their salaries by ₹1,000 more than what neighbouring Telangana was offering. However, post-assumption of power, the salary increase fell short of the promised amount, sparking dissatisfaction and leading to the recent widespread protest.
Efforts by the AP Government
Responding to the agitation, the Andhra Pradesh government, on December 21, released a press statement addressing the concerns raised by Anganwadi workers. Over Rs 80 crores have been allocated to meet immediate demands and provide relief to the protesting workforce.
The government’s actions include releasing funds for Anganwadi centres operating in rented buildings, amounting to Rs 66.54 crores for both rural/tribal and urban areas. Additionally, Rs 7.81 crores have been earmarked for essential consumables like soap and phenyl, with another Rs 6.36 crores allocated as maintenance funds for 21,206 Anganwadi centres.
#AndhraPradesh govt allocates over ₹80 cr to address demands of protesting #Anganwadi workers and helpers.@NewIndianXpress
— TNIE Andhra Pradesh (@xpressandhra) December 22, 2023
Read more: https://t.co/uEQAcppMMn
In a bid to address workforce-related issues, the government has increased the age limit for the promotion of Anganwadi helpers to Anganwadi workers from 45 to 50 years. The upper age limit for the continuation of Anganwadi workers and helpers has been fixed at 62 years. Furthermore, a retirement bonus has been introduced, providing Rs 1 lakh for Anganwadi workers and Rs 40,000 for helpers.
In a progressive move, the YSRCP government has also sanctioned travel allowances for Anganwadi workers and helpers, enhancing their financial support system.
Andhra Leads in Anganwadi Recognition
Andhra Pradesh currently holds the 6th position in the country for providing honorarium to Anganwadi workers, and it ranks 4th for honorarium given to Anganwadi helpers, as per the latest government data. The remuneration for Anganwadi Workers in the state includes a Central Government share of Rs 2700, a State Government share of Rs 1800, and an additional honorarium of Rs 7000 provided by the state. Consequently, the total honorarium for Anganwadi Workers in Andhra Pradesh amounts to Rs 11,500, making it one of the leading states in the country in terms of compensation for these workers.
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Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s swift response to the Anganwadi workers’ concerns in Andhra Pradesh deserves commendation. Allocating over Rs 80 crores reflects a commitment to addressing immediate needs and enhancing working conditions. The adjustments in age limits, the introduction of retirement bonuses, and travel allowances demonstrate a proactive stance toward supporting the Anganwadi workforce. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s decisive actions underscore his commitment to fulfilling promises, showcasing leadership in prioritising the welfare of these essential workers.
