Former Minister and Siddipet MLA Harish Rao has sharply criticized the Telangana government’s handling of mini Anganwadi workers’ wages and status, demanding an urgent resolution in an open letter to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
From Mini to Full Anganwadi Status
Harish Rao highlighted that 3,989 mini Anganwadi workers—serving some of the state’s most remote rural and tribal communities—were officially upgraded by a Government Order (GO) on September 5, 2023, under the previous BRS administration. However, its enactment was stalled by the election code.
Upon taking office, Women and Child Welfare Minister Seethakka reissued the same GO to recognize these workers as full-fledged Anganwadi staff. Rao charges the current government with republishing the order for political optics without delivering on its promise.
Wage Reversal Sparks Outcry
Between January and March 2024, mini Anganwadi workers briefly received ₹13,650 per month—equivalent to the standard Anganwadi scale. Rao argues that the recent rollback to ₹7,800 has inflicted financial hardship on dedicated employees and their families.
“No other state government cuts enhanced wages after paying them. This unprecedented step has left thousands struggling,” Rao laments.
Promises vs. Performance
Rao’s letter accuses the Congress government of overpromising—citing schemes to empower women with ₹2,500 monthly stipends, interest-free loans, and million-woman entrepreneurship drives—only to underdeliver on the ground.
“They vowed to make one crore women ‘millionaires’ overnight. Instead, they’ve broken trust and pushed frontline workers into distress,” he asserts.
Call for Immediate Action
Demanding that mini Anganwadi centers receive full Anganwadi funding and workers be paid on the correct scale, Harish Rao urges the Chief Minister to implement the GO in letter and spirit—ensuring that wage revisions are permanent, not temporary showpieces.
As rural families await relief, all eyes now turn to CM Revanth Reddy for a decisive response that honors the service of these child-care and nutrition workers.
