Government upgrades 5,000 mini anganwadi centres to full-fledged facilities

Minister for Housing and I&PR Kolusu Parthasarathy said that the coalition government has upgraded 5,000 mini-anganwadi centres into full-fledged anganwadi centres as part of its efforts to strengthen women and child welfare services in the district.

Addressing the media on Sunday (March 01), the Minister said the government is transforming anganwadi centres into pre-primary schools while simultaneously improving infrastructure and service delivery across the State. The government is ensuring the provision of nutritious food to children and women through anganwadi centres, along with the construction of dedicated buildings for these facilities. Basic amenities such as safe drinking water and toilets are being provided to improve hygiene and overall standards. Due to the government’s welfare initiatives for women and children, maternal and infant mortality rates in the State have seen a significant decline, he said,

Highlighting the improvements, the Minister said that anganwadi centres are now equipped with televisions, RO water units, toys, charts, induction stoves, and quality cooking utensils.  An amount of ₹86.68 lakh has been spent on providing drinking water and toilet facilities in Anganwadi centres, he said.

In a major digital initiative, the government reportedly spent around ₹75 crore to procure 5G-enabled mobile phones for 58,204 anganwadi teachers. These devices are aimed at ensuring faster and more efficient delivery of government services to children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The government has addressed several long-pending demands of anganwadi teachers, fulfilling most of the nine demands raised by them. Salaries are now being credited on the first of every month, ensuring financial stability for staff. Mini anganwadi workers have been promoted as teachers and the government has increased salaries twice, an unprecedented move. The government has also granted 15 days of summer vacation to anganwadi teachers, recognising their contribution to the welfare of women and children.