Chandigarh, November 15: Amid ongoing discussions with Anganwadi unions, the Punjab government has signalled its intent to equip Anganwadi Workers and Helpers with smartphones, citing the need for smoother data reporting and more transparent monitoring of schemes. The announcement followed a round of meetings between Social Security Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur and various union representatives on Friday.
The minister said the administration is reviewing multiple demands raised by the workers, including pay enhancement, increased mobile allowances and service-related protections. She added that “genuine issues” would be resolved without delay, with the department planning to push unresolved matters to the government level for approval.
Officials acknowledged persistent shortages in the workforce and said that recruitment to vacant Anganwadi posts will be completed soon.
Union leaders welcomed steps recently taken by the government — including clearing salary arrears and initiating rule changes for dependent employment — but urged the state to set clear timelines on the remaining demands.
Senior department officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Pratap and Deputy Director Amarjit Singh, also attended the meeting.
