Vijayawada: Women’s welfare minister K.V. Ushasri Charan appealed to Anganwadi workers to call off their ongoing strike, saying the government is ready to resolve their issues.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, the minister underlined that all promises made by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy prior to 2019 elections. “Steps have been taken to resolve the demands of Anganwadi workers and helpers as much as possible. Government has already issued many orders,” she stated.
Providing details, Ushasri underlined that retirement age of Anganwadi workers has been raised from 60 years to 62 years, and service benefit hiked from ₹50,000 to ₹1.00 lakh. For appointments, upper age limit has been increased from 45 years to 50 years. Anganwadi workers and assistants attending project / sector meetings have been given the opportunity to claim TA / DA.
The minister said as per Supreme Court orders, a letter has been written to the centre on issue of paying gratuity to Anganwadi workers. This matter will be attended to as soon as a reply is received from the centre, she stated.
Ushasri pointed out that ₹16 crore have been released to issue six sarees each as uniforms to Anganwadi workers and helpers. ₹85 crore have been extended for procuring mobile phones, which would help them perform their duties more efficiently. Around 500 supervisors have been appointed for monitoring distribution of quality goods through Anganwadis.
The minister said as per Jagan Mohan Reddy’s promise, wages of Anganwadi staff have been increased to ₹11,500, which is ₹1,000 higher than that paid in Telangana. AP is in 6th position in paying honorariums to Anganwadi teachers and 4th in terms of helpers.
Ushasri clarified that now is not the right time for increasing the honorarium of Anganwadis.
