In a written reply to Rajya Sabha today, Minister of Women & Child Development, Shrimati Smriti Zubin Irani furnished detailed information regarding Anganwadi & Anganwadi workers.

• As of December 31, 2023, 13,48,135 Anganwadi workers and 10,23,068 Anganwadi helpers were working in the country.

• Starting October 1, 2018, the Government of India raised the monthly honorarium as follows:

• Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) at main AWCs from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,500,

• AWWs at mini-AWCs from Rs. 2,250 to Rs. 3,500

• Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,250.

• Additionally, it introduced a performance-linked incentive of Rs. 250 per month for AWHs and Rs. 500 for AWWs.

• Various measures have been introduced to motivate and support Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs), including:

1. Promotion: Guidelines have been issued to enhance promotional opportunities. 50% of AWW posts shall be filled by promoting AWHs with 5 years of experience, and 50% of supervisory posts by promoting AWWs with similar experience, subject to other criteria.

2. Leave: AWWs are entitled to 180 days of paid maternity leave, 45 days for abortion/miscarriage, and 20 days of annual leave.

3. Social Security Insurance Schemes: Insurance benefits under schemes like PMJJBY and PMSBY cover life and accidental risks for AWWs/AWHs.

4. Retirement date: States/UTs are encouraged to adopt a uniform retirement date,i.e., April 30 each year, for AWWs and AWHs to ensure proper human resource planning.

4. Others include- Dress code, Insurance cover under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package, Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM), and upgrading mini AWC to AWW

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