Anganwadi workers calls off strike as AP Govt concedes 10 demands

Andhra Pradesh's Anganwadi workers have successfully concluded their 42-day strike after reaching an agreement with the state government. Through consistent negotiations, the government has addressed 10 out of the 11 crucial demands presented by the Anganwadi workers.

During the strike, opposition parties attempted to incite Anganwadis and spread false propaganda. However, the government demonstrated empathy and commitment, actively maintaining communication with the workers. Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, Advisor to the Government, emphasized the government's cooperative stance and highlighted the attempts by opposition parties to politicize the strike.

Minister Botcha Satyanarayana commended the wisdom of the Anganwadis in calling off the strike, thwarting divisive attempts by opposition leaders like Chandrababu Naidu, Lokesh, and Pawan Kalyan.

Key outcomes from the agreements include:

1. Salary increments to be implemented in July next year.
2. Life insurance coverage, including a 2-lakh accident insurance policy, for Anganwadi workers and helpers starting this year.
3. Increase in the age limit for Anganwadi assistants' appointment from 45 to 50 years.
4. Travel Allowance (TA) and Dearness Allowance (DA) on a monthly and bi-monthly basis, respectively.
5. Upper age limit for the continued service of Anganwadi workers and helpers set at 62 years.
6. Approval of end-of-service benefits, providing Rs. 1 lakh to Anganwadi workers and Rs. 40,000 to helpers who complete 62 years of age.
7. Sanctioning of Rs. 66.54 Crore fund for Anganwadi centers located in rented buildings.
8. Allocation of Rs. 7.81 crore for 55,607 centers to address sanitation requirements.
   1. Release of Rs. 6.36 crores for 21,206 Anganwadi Centers at a rate of Rs. 3000/- per center for maintenance expenses, including painting walls and minor repairs.