Anganwadi workers demand wage hike, abolition of FRS in Amalapuram
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
Andhra Pradesh: Anganwadi workers and helpers under the banner of the AP Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union (CITU) staged a protest and submitted a petition at the Amalapuram Mandal Tahsildar office, pressing for a wage hike, abolition of the Facial Recognition System (FRS), and other long-pending demands.
Nationwide protest call
The union reminded that the All India Anganwadi Union has given a nationwide call to observe August 21 as a Black Day in support of their demands. In Amalapuram, demonstrations were organized across three mandals under the project, urging both central and state governments to address their issues without further delay.
Wages stagnant for years
Leaders pointed out that the central government has not revised Anganwadi wages since 2014, while in Andhra Pradesh, the last revision came in 2019. “Despite promises during the 42-day strike that wages would be revised by July 2024, the government has ignored its assurances,” workers said.
Technical glitches and work burden
The workers complained that the phones provided for managing centers are outdated and do not support Poshan Tracker and Bala Sanjeevini apps. They said the FRS-based system of photo capture, OTP, and biometric entries is causing severe hardships due to poor network signals and server failures. “Beneficiaries are struggling to get their goods as supplies arrive irregularly,” they stressed.
Key demands of Anganwadi workers
The protesting workers demanded that multiple apps be merged into one, the FRS system scrapped, and tablets provided to Anganwadi center management. They also sought 5G connectivity, reallocation of the Prime Minister’s Matru Vandana Yojana to other wings, and regularization of mini Anganwadi workers by upgrading them to main workers. They further called for revised job guidelines, gratuity benefits, and a transparent policy for the promotion of helpers.
The protest was led by P Amulya, Durga, Parvathi, Mani Mala, Vijaya Uma, and others. Hundreds of Anganwadi workers and helpers actively took part, reiterating their determination to continue the struggle until their demands are met.
