9 of 10 anganwadi demands met, says A.P. TDP chief

Responding to the State-wide ‘Chalo Vijayawada’ call issued by anganwadi staff, Andhra Pradesh Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president, Palla Srinivasa Rao asserted that the coalition government remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of anganwadi workers, helpers and associated grassroots staff.

Addressing a press conference at the party office in Gajuwaka on Sunday, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said that out of the 10 demands placed by anganwadi employees, nine have already been addressed. The remaining issues, are under active consideration.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao credited the TD party under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, with effecting two rounds of wage enhancements for anganwadi staff, a measure he described as unprecedented. He further noted that the administration had institutionalised the disbursal of salaries on the first of every month, thereby addressing chronic delays that had long burdened frontline workers. Despite the financial constraints,the government continues to implement welfare measures with administrative rigour, he said.

Highlighting efforts at modernisation, Mr. Rao recalled that 58,204 anganwadi workers, supervisors and block coordinators have been provided 5G-enabled smartphones at a cost of ₹75 crore. The initiative, intends to technologically strengthen the anganwadi ecosystem and enhance service delivery at the grassroots, he said.

Reiterating the government’s assurances, Mr. Rao affirmed that every commitment made to anganwadi personnel would be honoured and that the coalition would not renege on its word.