58,000 anganwadi staff given smartphones for better delivery of services

Women and Child Welfare and Tribal Welfare Minister Gummidi Sandhya Rani on Wednesday launched the distribution of 5G smartphones to 58,204 Anganwadi workers, supervisors and block coordinators. The initiative, funded with Rs 75 million, aims to provide faster and more effective service delivery to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children. New smartphones are replacing older 4G devices that frequently experienced technical problems.

At an event held at NTR Collectorate, Ms. Sandhya Rani said that around 1.25 lakh staff are working in 55,204 Anganwadi centers across the State. He noted that in the Prime Minister’s last performance review, the Women and Child Welfare Department achieved 98% service delivery, achieving A++ category ranking and fourth rank at the State level. The minister said that with the cooperation of the employees, the department rose from the lowest level to the highest level.

Ms. Sandhya Rani said that trust in Anganwadi centers has increased among rural mothers. He touched upon the success of the pilot program titled ‘Mustabu’ implemented in Parvathipuram Manyam district, which aims to educate and present children properly. He added that the initiative will soon be expanded statewide.

The Minister said that despite financial constraints, salaries of Anganwadi workers were revised three times (from ₹1,200 to ₹2,200 and later to ₹11,500). He also added that the Prime Minister drew the attention of Anganwadi teachers and ASHA workers to avail the benefits of government welfare schemes and a positive decision is expected soon.

“The coalition government has upgraded 5,000 mini Anganwadis to major centres, and the remaining centers will also be upgraded once teachers obtain the required Class 10 qualification,” he said, assuring that the government is ready to provide full financial support. He advised workers not to resort to unnecessary protests.

The minister also announced that new sari uniforms will be distributed soon and ₹ 1 lakh will be sanctioned to each Anganwadi center for improvement of basic infrastructure. He said the government is also examining a proposal to increase the salaries of Anganwadi ayahs.

Department Secretary A. Surya Kumari said that while the national average Anganwadi participation was around 70%, Andhra Pradesh registered 96%, reflecting the strong performance of the state.

The “AP without Child Marriage” poster was also published at the event. Director Venu Gopal Reddy, Joint Director K. Praveena, Collector in-charge S. Ilakkiya, ICDS Project Director Rukhsana Sultana Begum and several Anganwadi workers and coordinators attended.