(a) Whether the Government has taken note of the protest by Anganwadi Workers(AWWs)/Helpers across the country expressing their dissatisfaction over non-increase in their honorarium/allowances for the last few years and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government proposes to enhance the rate of honorarium/allowances presently paid to them; and
(c) if so, the details thereof along with the time by which a decision is likely to be taken in this regard
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR)
(a) to (c) Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme envisages the Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) as “honorary workers” from the local community who come forward to render their services, on part time basis, in the area of child care and development. The Government of India presently pays monthly honorarium to AWWs, AWWs of Mini-Anganwadis and AWHs @ Rs.3000/-, Rs.2250/- and Rs.1500/- respectively in the prescribed cost sharing ratio with the States/UTs. The States/UTs are also paying additional honorarium to these functionaries from their own resources, as per the list enclosed. Since the additional honorarium is paid by the States/UTs from their own financial resources, Government of India has been requesting them to increase the honorarium of these functionaries. However, it is for the States/UTs to decide. There is no proposal to enhance the existing honorarium paid by the Government of India to the above functionaries.
Government of India is fully conscious of the voluntary services of these functionaries and the benefits available to AWWs/AWHs. Efforts have been made to improve their working conditions by extending facilities/benefits from time to time which are mentioned below:
i. Leave: Allowed paid absence of 180 days of maternity leave.
ii. Insurance cover: The Government of India introduced ‘Anganwadi Karyakartri Bima Yojana’ to Anganwadi Workers/Anganwadi Helpers w.e.f. 01.04.2004 under Life Insurance Corporation’s Social Security Scheme.
Further, it has been decided to cover AWWs and AWHs in the age group of 18 to 50 years under PMJJBY; the AWWs and AWHs in the age group of 18-59 years under PMSBY and the AWWs/AWHs in the age group of 50 to 59 years would continue to remain under the AKBY (modified) as long as they are engaged.
The scholarship component of AKBY will continue for these beneficiaries who are eligible for the benefits during the current Academic Year.
iii Award: In order to motivate the Anganwadi Workers and give recognition to good voluntary work, a Scheme of Award for AWWs was introduced, both at the National and State level. The number of Awards and the amount has been increased. Now the Awards would be given to 100 AWWs and the cash prize would be Rs. 50,000 each and a Citation at Central level and Rs.10,000/- cash each and a Citation at State level.
vi Promotion: Reservation of 50% of vacant posts of Supervisors for AWWs, recruitment of 25% of AWWs from AWHs etc.
v Uniform: Government has made a provision for a set of two Uniform (saree/suit @ Rs.400/- per saree per annum).
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