State-level Anganwadi workers, helpers meet in Ongole on October 20

Members of the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union, affiliated to Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), on Friday (September 12, 2025) announced that the 11th State conference of the union will be held for the first time in Ongole on October 20-21, 2025.

Union’s State general secretary Karusala Subbaravamma and CITU State secretary K. Umamaheswara Rao announced this at a press meet here on Friday. The CITU State leader said that the Anganwadi workers and helpers are being neglected in the State.

“While the 50th anniversary of the ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services Scheme) is being celebrated, the Anganwadi workers and helpers do not have job security. They play a key role in reducing maternal and infant mortality, and in achieving literacy and human development.”

He recalled that the Supreme Court and the Central government agencies had recommended providing job security to Anganwadi workers and helpers and accused the governments of being indifferent by not increasing the salaries in line with the rising prices of essential commodities.

Mr. Umamaheswara Rao accused the Central and State governments of not increasing funds for the development of Anganwadi centres, and not resolving the problems of the workers.

“After several agitations, the Centre had increased only ₹500 crore in the Budget at the rate of just five paise per person. It has not increased wages since 2014 while the State has not hiked since 2019. When the workers went on a strike for 42 days in 2023, they achieved eight G.O.s and 4,687 mini Anganwadi centres. 1,800 more mini Anganwadi centers should be upgraded,” he demanded.

Anganwadi workers should be recognised as government employees and paid a minimum monthly salary of ₹26,000. He said that the problems and future action plans will be discussed during the two-day meeting which will likely be attended by over 1,000 leaders of the State.