Upgraded Anganwadi teachers in Khammam await 12-month salary arrears

Over 3,900 upgraded Anganwadi teachers across Telangana, including 232 in Khammam, are awaiting 12 months of wage arrears. Despite government approval for increased salaries, arrears remain unpaid. CITU leader G. Padma urged Minister Seethakka to expedite the clearance process

Khammam: Teachers of mini Anganwadi Centres that were upgraded into main Anganwadi Centres in the erstwhile Khammam district are still awaiting payment of increased wage arrears pending for the past 12 months.

It may be recalled that the previous BRS government had proposed the upgradation of mini Anganwadi Centres into main centres along with a wage hike. After the Congress government came to power, the proposal was approved in December 2023, increasing salaries from Rs. 7,800 to Rs. 13,500.

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This was the first file cleared by Women and Child Welfare Minister D. Anasuya Seethakka after assuming office. Following protests by Anganwadi teachers demanding immediate implementation, the government issued orders in January 2024.

While teachers at the upgraded centres were paid the revised salary for a couple of months, they were subsequently reverted to the old wage of Rs. 7,800. After sustained pressure from various trade unions, the government resumed payment of the increased salary from April 2024.

However, there is still no clarity on when the arrears for the previous 12 months will be disbursed.

“It is unfortunate that the government, which relies on Anganwadi workers for implementing key schemes, is neglecting their rightful dues,” said G. Padma, an Anganwadi teacher and CITU leader.

Speaking to Telangana Today, Padma urged Minister Seethakka to take immediate steps to clear the pending arrears. Across the State, 3,989 upgraded Anganwadi teachers are awaiting their dues. In Kothagudem district alone, 626 mini Anganwadi Centres have been upgraded, while 232 centres were upgraded in Khammam.