Hyderabad: Former minister T Harish Rao has accused the state government of making false promises to women instead of fulfilling its basic responsibilities. He urged the government to first pay the pending salaries of Anganwadi workers and uphold the respect due to women. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Harish Rao called on Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to acknowledge the hardships faced by 62,000 Anganwadi workers, who have been without salaries for two months.
Criticism of Minister Seethakka
Harish Rao expressed disappointment that Minister Seethakka, a woman herself, fails to understand the tears and grief of her fellow women. He recalled that under former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), the services of Anganwadi workers were recognised, and their posts were upgraded from workers to teachers, enhancing their dignity.
Wage Increases Under BRS
Before 2014, Anganwadi teachers received only Rs 4,200 per month, and helpers received Rs 2,200. After the BRS government came to power, wages were increased significantly: Anganwadi teachers got Rs 13,650, mini Anganwadi teachers received Rs 7,800, and helpers also received Rs 7,800 per month. These were among the highest wages in the country for such workers.
Congress Manifesto Promises
In its election manifesto titled 'Abhayahastam', the Congress party promised to raise Anganwadi teachers' wages to Rs 18,000, bring them under the EPF scheme, and provide job security. However, Harish Rao noted that even after two and a half years, there is no progress on these promises. He accused Congress of showing heaven before elections and spreading lies after coming to power.
He demanded that the Congress government immediately release the pending salaries for the past two months and also clear the increased wages for upgraded mini Anganwadis, which have been pending for a year.
Harish Rao's remarks come amid growing discontent among Anganwadi workers who have been protesting for their dues. The issue has also sparked political debate in Telangana, with opposition parties criticising the government's handling of the matter.
