AP Records Major Gains in Women, Child and Tribal Welfare: Minister Sandhya Rani

Andhra Pradesh has made significant strides in the fields of women, child and tribal welfare over the past two years, with a series of initiatives aimed at improving nutrition, education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities across the state, according to Minister Gummidi Sandhya Rani . Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat on Monday, the minister said the government's welfare approach is focused on ensuring not just financial assistance but also safety, dignity and inclusive development for vulnerable communities.

Highlighting achievements in the women and child welfare sector, Sandhya Rani said nearly 20 lakh pregnant women, lactating mothers and children are benefiting from services provided through 56,746 Anganwadi centres across Andhra Pradesh. To strengthen the system, the government recruited 5,389 teachers and 5,287 helpers , generating employment for more than 11,000 rural women . Several mini Anganwadi centres have also been upgraded into full-fledged facilities.

The government has invested around ₹100 crore to improve infrastructure in 10,000 Anganwadi centres by providing safe drinking water, RO plants and sanitation facilities. In a move towards digital governance, Anganwadi workers have been equipped with 5G-enabled smartphones for real-time monitoring of welfare programmes. Induction stoves are also being distributed to improve energy efficiency and streamline meal preparation.

The minister said One Stop Centres are operational in all 26 districts, offering integrated medical, legal and police assistance to women facing distress. She also noted that authorities successfully prevented 3,393 child marriages during the last two years, describing it as a major achievement in protecting the rights and future of young girls. Financial support is being extended to eligible mothers through childbirth assistance programmes aimed at improving maternal and infant health.

On tribal welfare, Sandhya Rani said quality education is being provided through 2,715 tribal educational institutions , including Ashram schools, Gurukul institutions and hostels. Students have been supplied with essential items such as notebooks, bedsheets and dining utensils to improve their learning environment.

The government has also intensified efforts to tackle sickle cell anaemia , a major health concern in tribal regions, through large-scale screening and specialised medical services. To improve connectivity in remote tribal areas, road construction projects are being accelerated to ensure better access to healthcare and public services.

The minister further highlighted the promotion of coffee, pepper and turmeric cultivation across 2.26 lakh acres in tribal regions. Financial support through TRICOR and other schemes is helping tribal farmers enhance their incomes. Special "Eagle" teams have also been deployed to curb illegal cannabis cultivation.

Sandhya Rani said the government remains committed to extending welfare benefits, employment opportunities and essential services to every section of society, including remote tribal communities such as the Chenchus living in the Nallamala and Srisailam regions.