AP: Aprox 1 Lakh Anganwadi Workers Return to Work After 42 Days Strike

Vijayawada: After a 42-day strike, approximately one lakh Anganwadi workers in Andhra Pradesh have decided to end their protest and resume their duties on Tuesday, following successful negotiations with the state government regarding their demands.

The Anganwadi workers had initiated the strike on December 12, seeking improved pay and working conditions. Despite the government invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), the workers continued their protest until an agreement was reached.

The state government has addressed 10 out of the 11 crucial demands put forth by the Anganwadi workers. Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, Advisor to the government, accused opposition parties of attempting to incite the workers and spreading false information during the strike.

Reddy stated, “The government has consistently shown empathy and commitment, actively engaging in communication with the Anganwadis. The workers, in turn, acknowledged the government’s efforts and resisted attempts by opposition parties to politicize the strike.”

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

According to the agreement, salary increments are set to be implemented in July next year. Anganwadi workers and helpers will receive life insurance coverage, including a 2-lakh accident insurance policy, starting this year. The age limit for the appointment of Anganwadi assistants has been raised from 45 to 50 years.

Anganwadi workers will now be eligible for Travel Allowance (TA) on a monthly basis and Dearness Allowance (DA) bi-monthly. The upper age limit for continued service has been increased to 62 years.

End-of-service benefits have been approved, with Rs 1 lakh for Anganwadi workers and Rs 40,000 for helpers who complete 62 years of age. The government has allocated Rs 66.54 crore for Anganwadi centers in rented buildings and Rs 7.81 crore for 55,607 centers to address sanitation needs.

Additionally, Rs 6.36 crore has been released for 21,206 Anganwadi Centers at a rate of Rs 3,000 per center to cover maintenance expenses, including painting walls and minor repairs.