Anganwadi workers demand ₹26,000 monthly salary, social security benefits

Members of the Andhra Pradesh Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union stage a protest in Vijayawada on Friday. | Photo credit: GN Rao

Anganwadi workers and helpers staged demonstrations in front of collectors across Andhra Pradesh on Friday, demanding a minimum monthly wage of ₹26,000, pension, pension fund and social security benefits. The protests organized by the Andhra Pradesh Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union, affiliated to the Center of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), were part of the All India Day of Demands.

In a dharna at Eluru Collectorate, union state general secretary K. Subbaravamma alleged that both the Center and the state government have failed to fulfill long-pending promises made to Anganwadi workers. She said that even though the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) had completed 50 years, the Anganwadi workers were yet to be recognized as employees with statutory labor rights. She alleged that the Gujarat High Court’s recommendation to treat Anganwadi workers as civil servants and revise their salaries was not implemented. She added that wages in Andhra Pradesh have not changed since 2019.

The union also alleged that the state government failed to honor assurances given during the 42-day strike, including a promise in July 2024 to adjust wages. It demanded gratuity for employees who died on duty, abolition of the five-year promotion rule and upgrading of around 1,800 mini Anganwadi centers to main centres.

Protesters also complained of increased workload due to the use of multiple mobile apps, including the Navachetana app, and alleged that travel allowance claims were not paid despite a government order issued in 2023.

CITU leaders AV Nageswara Rao and Ch. Narasinga Rao warned that if the demands were not resolved within two weeks, the Anganwadi workers would intensify their agitation by laying siege to Collectorates across the state on July 31.

Published – 10 Jul 2026 20:26 IST