Massive Demonstrations Held at 27 District Collectorates
Scheme workers from across Andhra Pradesh, including Anganwadi, ASHA, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, Village Organization Assistants (VOAs), Resource Persons (RPs), School Sweepers, Samagra Shiksha, National Health Mission (NHM), MGNREGA, and Velugu departments, staged large-scale protests at all 27 district collectorates.
The protesters demanded that the state government increase their minimum monthly wage to ₹26,000 and provide social security benefits such as pension, Provident Fund (PF), Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), and gratuity.
Key Demands Raised by Scheme Workers
The protesters also urged the government to:
- Withdraw the Navachetana App being implemented for Anganwadi workers.
- Reduce the workload of ASHA workers.
- Scrap the proposed Smart Kitchens, which they claim threaten the livelihoods of Mid-Day Meal workers.
- Immediately release pending salaries of VOAs, RPs, and School Sweepers.
- Ensure timely payment of wages and improve working conditions across all scheme-based departments.
Tension at Protest Sites, Allegations of Police Action
The protests witnessed tense scenes in several districts.
At the Eluru Collectorate, police restrictions led to confrontations between protesters and law enforcement personnel.
In Anakapalli district, protest organizers alleged that police resorted to a lathi charge. During the incident, VOA State President C.H. Roopa Devi reportedly suffered a fracture, while several others sustained injuries. Organizers also claimed that police detained a number of protesters.
Heavy Rain Fails to Deter Protesters
In Parvathipuram Manyam district, thousands of scheme workers continued their protest despite heavy rainfall, highlighting their determination to press for their demands.
In Srikakulam district, a scuffle reportedly broke out, following which CITU District Secretary Tejeswara Rao and several Anganwadi leaders were arrested.
Similar confrontations between protesters and police were reported from Sri Sathya Sai, Kadapa, Tirupati, and Eluru districts.
Union Leaders Submit Memorandum
In NTR district, the protest was attended by Anganwadi Union State General Secretary K. Subbaraovamma. Following the demonstration, the District Revenue Officer (DRO) accepted a memorandum submitted by the protesting workers outlining their demands.
Workers Warn of Intensified Statewide Agitation
Scheme worker unions stated that rising inflation has made their current wages inadequate and demanded an immediate revision of salaries along with the implementation of long-pending promises.
The leaders warned that if the government fails to respond positively, they would launch more intense statewide agitations in the coming days.
