AP ministers urge protesting Anganwadis to withdraw strike decision

Vijayawada: The ‘Group of Ministers’ led by Botsa Satyanarayana, on behalf of the AP government, has appealed to protesting Anganwadi workers and helpers to withdraw their strike, keeping in mind the interests of the vulnerable sections of the population.

The ministers said, “YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's government stands for all, and serves every section of the society with compassion. In the past 55 months, we have strived to be the best possible stewards and faithfully fulfilled every promise of our manifesto regarding Anganwadis and have even gone beyond, taking proactive steps to address unvoiced needs and bring greater happiness to all.”

They recalled that during the previous government, Anganwadi workers and helpers faced two years of stagnant wages. On April 4, 2016, the salary of Anganwadi workers was increased from Rs 4200 to Rs 7000, the salary of Mini Anganwadi workers was increased from Rs 2,950 to Rs 4500, and the salary of Anganwadi Helpers was increased from Rs 2200 to Rs 4500, they said.

They noted, “The AP government prioritizes the well-being of all citizens, including Anganwadi workers and helpers. Moved by their plight, during a 2017 padayatra, then-opposition leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy pledged to increase their salaries. As an after- effect of this promise, the previous government increased the salaries of Anganwadi workers and helpers six months before the elections. During the previous government’s tenure, until 2019, Anganwadi workers were paid an average of Rs 6,950, while Anganwadi helpers and Mini Anganwadi workers were paid an average of '3,900.”

The ministers stated that, true to the YSRC’s manifesto promise, the Jagan government swiftly addressed the Anganwadi salary issue soon after taking office in 2019. Anganwadi workers received an increased pay of Rs 11,500, Mini Anganwadi workers Rs 7,000, and Anganwadi Helpers Rs 7,000 with effect from the very next month.”

“The government is also providing a monthly incentive of Rs 500 to Anganwadi workers and helpers who have demonstrated good performance. The government is spending around Rs 27.8 crore as incentives for them every year,” the ministers pointed out.