PNS|Hyderabad
In a major relief to thousands of Anganwadi teachers and helpers all over Telangana, the government has cleared the long-pending proposal to double their retirement benefits.
The Finance Department has given its approval to the file sent by the Department of Women and Child Welfare, paving the way for a Government Order to be issued shortly.
As per the revised structure, Anganwadi teachers will now receive Rs 2 lakh and helpers Rs 1 lakh on retirement.
Earlier, the retirement benefit stood at Rs 1 lakh for teachers and Rs 50,000 for helpers. With this, the state has fulfilled a key election promise of the Congress government, bringing cheer to the grassroots women workforce that forms the backbone of early childhood care services.
Currently, Telangana has 37,580 Anganwadi centres, each staffed by a teacher and a helper, engaging approximately 70,000 personnel. On average, nearly 7,000 of them retire every year, with the retirement age set at 65.
The proposal had been pending for some time due to technical issues, but Women and Child Welfare Minister Seetakka is said to have personally intervened. She held discussions with Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and ensured that the file was cleared.
Following the clearance, the Anganwadi workers of Bhadradri Kothagudem felicitated Seetakka by showering her with flowers. “We were waiting for this promise to become a reality. Today, we feel valued,” one of the workers said during the informal celebration.
With the GO expected to be issued any day now, the move is set to bring much-needed financial security to thousands of families relying on these frontline community workers. It is also seen as a recognition of their decades-long service to child welfare, nutrition, and maternal care.
