The management of Anganwadi centers in Telangana is reportedly facing severe challenges, with Anganwadi staff raising concerns over delayed wage payments. Contrary to the Congress government’s claims that all government employees are paid salaries on the first of every month, Anganwadi workers allege that they have been forced to wait for months to receive their salaries.
Additionally, three months into the academic year, uniforms for children in Anganwadi centers have yet to be distributed, adding to the growing discontent. The KCR-led BRS government had initiated the upgradation of 3,989 mini Anganwadi Centers to main Anganwadi Centers as of September 12, 2023. However, this process was halted by the enforcement of the Election Code. Despite the central government now considering mini Anganwadis as main centers, the upgradation has yet to be completed even eight months post-elections.
Under KCR’s administration, Anganwadi staff had seen significant salary increases, with a 30% PRC hike aligning their wages with government employees. Between 2015 and 2021, salaries of Anganwadi teachers and helpers increased by 325% and 354% respectively, a feat unmatched elsewhere in the country.
On the other hand, before the BJP came to power, the Centre covered 90% of Anganwadi salaries, with the state contributing only 10%. Under the Modi government, the Centre’s share was reduced to 60%, increasing the state’s burden to 40%. Despite this, the central government has only covered 19% of teachers’ salaries and 17% of helpers’ wages, causing significant financial strain.