VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh government on Saturday issued G.O. 2 and brought Anganwadis under essential services. The government then invoked ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act) terming the 26-day-old strike by Anganwadi workers illegal. It then ordered the striking staff to join duties immediately.
Principal secretary G. Jayalakshmi issued the GO, which stated that the state government has engaged in discussions and fulfilled majority of the demands put forth by the Anganwadi workers and helpers. The government then appealed to all workers and helpers to join duty, as their strike since December 12, 2023, has been inflicting grave hardships on the marginalised, vulnerable and weaker sections of pregnant women, lactating mothers and children aged between 0–6 years across the state due to non-fulfilment of supplementary nutritional services.
Further, the government stated that due to the ongoing strike, daily attendance of approximately 7.5 lakh pre-school children at Anganwadi centres has significantly dropped to only two lakh. This situation is adversely affecting these essential services.
Thus, the government has exercised its powers conferred by sub-section (1) and (3) of section 3 of the Andhra Pradesh Essential Services and Maintenance Act, 1971, prohibiting strikes by Anganwadi workers and helpers at all centres for a period of six months.
