International Women's Day: Jagan govt announces day's off for lady cops, discount on mobile phones

From discount on mobile phones to a day's off for working women, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to celebrate International Women's Day on a grand scale on March 8.

During the review meeting held at the camp office here on Thursday, it is decided that on the eve of International Women's Day, the state government will organize a candle rally across the state on March 7 and felicitate two women constables from each wing.

The state government also decided to announce a special day off for all women working in the police department marking international women's day on March 8. The State Government will set up 2000 stands with QR code for easy download of Disha app and would conduct short film competitions on women's safety and empowerment.

The State Government will provide a 10 percent discount on the purchase of mobile phones at selected shopping malls on IWD to women who download the Disha app. The State Government will organize annual health checkups for Anganwadi employees.

The Chief Minister has agreed to give an additional five casual leaves to female employees and also announced Rs 5 lakh on behalf of the Government to the Non-Gazetted Women Employees Union.

An MOU would be signed between SERP, MEPMA, and Hindustan Lever to ensure sanitary pads are made available in YSR Cheyutha shops at more affordable price compared to open market.

The state government will lay special focus on training of girls of Plus-1 and Plus-2 to prepare for competitive exams. The Chief Minister directed the officials to set up hoardings with details of Disha initiatives for publicity in junior colleges and other higher educational institutions.

Reviewing on YSR Pre Primary Schools, the Chief Minister inspected the books and teaching aids designed for pre-primary children, which were displayed by the officials of the Women and Child Welfare department.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of Nadu Nedu works in Anganwadis. Construction of New buildings and revamping of existing buildings is being done in 44,119 Anganwadi centers. He said the work on Anganwadi buildings should be started simultaneously in urban and rural areas.

The government will provide 4,17,508 books for children of PP-1 class and 4,17,508 books for PP-2 children and the distribution of books will start on March 20 and will complete by April 5.

The government has already distributed 16 of the 26 teaching aids to Anganwadis. The remaining 10 teaching aids will be distributed within a month. The Chief Minister directed the officials to provide English-Telugu dictionary in schools and ensure the students learn the meaning of a new word every day.

The officials said the details on YSR Poshana and YSR Sampoorna Poshana plus are being provided through posters. They said an SOP book is being provided with the prescribed rules on providing good food and hygiene to children and videos regarding the same are being shared with the students.