The Union Government has informed Parliament that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir supplements the Central honorarium provided to Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) with an additional monthly payment. Anganwadi Workers receive a top-up of Rs 600 per month, while Anganwadi Helpers receive Rs 300 per month, over and above the amounts disbursed by the Central Government. There has been no announcement regarding any further revision of the Central honorarium for these workers.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that in a written response submitted to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, stated that Anganwadi Workers and Helpers are recognized as honorary community-based workers who receive an honorarium. The last enhancement of this Central honorarium was implemented by the Centre effective from October 1, 2018.
The Central Government currently disburses a monthly honorarium of Rs 4,500 to Anganwadi Workers and Rs 2,250 to Anganwadi Helpers, as per the established Centre-State cost-sharing arrangement. Beyond this central provision, individual States and Union Territories contribute varying additional financial top-ups from their own budgets. According to details placed before Parliament, Jammu and Kashmir contributes Rs 600 monthly to Anganwadi Workers and Rs 300 monthly to Anganwadi Helpers. In comparison, the neighbouring Union Territory of Ladakh offers higher top-ups, amounting to Rs 1,300 for Anganwadi Workers and Rs 650 for Anganwadi Helpers per month.
Furthermore, the scheme incorporates performance-linked incentives. Anganwadi Workers are eligible for monthly incentives of Rs 500, and Anganwadi Helpers are eligible for Rs 250 per month, contingent upon performance metrics.
In line with welfare enhancement measures, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has equipped Anganwadi Workers and Helpers with smartphones under the Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 initiatives. This technological integration facilitates real-time monitoring through the Poshan Tracker application, which has successfully digitized the physical registers traditionally maintained at Anganwadi centres. This move aims to improve data accuracy and accessibility.
The government’s reply also detailed enhancements in promotional avenues for these workers. To foster career progression, 50 per cent of Anganwadi Worker positions are reserved for eligible Anganwadi Helpers, provided they meet the prescribed criteria. Similarly, 50 per cent of Supervisor posts are reserved for eligible Anganwadi Workers, subject to the same criteria. This policy aims to provide a clear pathway for advancement within the Anganwadi framework.
Additional welfare benefits provided to Anganwadi Workers and Helpers include 20 days of annual leave, 180 days of paid maternity leave, and 45 days of paid leave in cases of miscarriage or abortion. They are also eligible for enrollment under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan pension scheme, ensuring post-retirement financial security. Life and accident insurance coverage is provided under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY). Moreover, they receive annual health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), providing comprehensive medical support.
To bolster transparency and ensure the timely disbursement of funds, the Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 initiatives have been integrated with the SNA SPARSH platform. This platform is designed to facilitate a “just-in-time” payment mechanism, ensuring that funds are released promptly for honorarium and incentives. The Ministry conducts regular reviews and video conferences with States and Union Territories to meticulously monitor the utilization of allocated funds and the timely processing of payments to Anganwadi Workers and Helpers across the country.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
