Seethakka Hits Out At BRS Over Smartphone Row
The purchase of smartphones was conducted through open tenders under central government guidelines, ensuring transparency. Each handset was procured at ₹11,650: Seethakka
NALGONDA: Panchayat raj minister Dasari ‘Seethakka’ Anasuya on Friday criticised the opposition BRS for politicising the distribution of smartphones to Anganwadi teachers. She said the purchase of smartphones was conducted through open tenders under central government guidelines, ensuring transparency. Each handset was procured at ₹11,650.
Speaking at a programme at the district collectorate at Kothagudem in Bhadradri‑Kothagudem, the minister noted that the previous BRS government had bought the same model for ₹9,000 about five years ago, and urged people not to believe what she described as false propaganda.
The minister explained that the distribution of smartphones was aimed digitising records of pregnant women and children, thereby improving services. She reminded that 12,000 buildings have been sanctioned for Anganwadi centres, with plans to upgrade mini‑centres where needed. Breakfast is also being served at centres in Bhadradri‑Kothagudem as a pilot project.
She added that salary hikes for Anganwadi teachers are under active consideration, with the state bearing the bulk of the payments beyond the Centre’s ₹2,800 contribution. A committee of experts and teachers will be formed to guide development, while a recruitment notification will soon be issued to fill 15,000 vacancies. Currently, 275 mobile Anganwadi centres are operating in Hyderabad.
Earlier, she inspected a canteen run by SHG women at the collectorate. Pinapaka MLA Payam Venkateshwarlu, Aswaraopeta MLA Jare Adinarayana and district collector Ankit also attended the programme.
