(a) the sanctioned and actual strength of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs)/helpers in the country, State/UT-wise;
(b) whether a large number of posts of AWWs/helpers are lying vacant in the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise including Andhra Pradesh and the reasons therefor; and
(d) the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government for filling of their vacant vacancies in a timely manner?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI KRISHNA RAJ)
(a) to (d) : The number of sanctioned, in-position and vacant position of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs)/ Anganwadi Helpers(AWHs) in the country including Andhra Pradesh as on 31.12.2016 are as under:-
Number of Posts of Sanctioned In-position Vacant
Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) 1400000 1285711 114289
Anganwadi Helpers(AWHs) 1283150 1160960 122190
State-wise details are given at Annex-I.
As per Schematic norms of the ICDS Scheme, Government of India is responsible for the Planning & Policy issues whereas State Governments are responsible for the implementation of the Scheme. The reasons for shortage of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers across the country are largely due to administrative, procedural and legal delays in filling-up of vacant posts by the State Governments/UT Administrations. Ministry of Women & Child Development has repeatedly impressed upon the State Governments/ UT Administrations to take all required measures for early operationalisation of sanctioned AWCs/ mini-AWCs including filling-up vacant positions.
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