(a) whether the Government has taken note that the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme has reportedly untrained and low paid workers;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;
(c) the remedial measures taken in this regard;
(d) whether the Government has any plan to upgrade ICDS Scheme; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI KRISHNA RAJ)
(a) to (c): Anganwadi Services under the Umbrella Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme envisages the Anganwadi Workers(AWWs) & 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. As per the ICDS guidelines the Anganwadi Workers should be from the local village and are selected by a Selection Committee constituted by the State Governments/UT Administrations. Scheme prescribes for minimum qualification of Matriculation and age limit of 18-35 years for engagement as Anganwadi Worker and Anganwadi Helper. Being honorary workers, they are paid monthly honoraria as decided by Government from time to time.
The present honorarium paid to AWWs is Rs.3000/- per month and AWHs is Rs.1500/- per month. The honorarium to AWWs of Mini-AWCs is Rs.2250/- per month. Besides this, most of the State Governments/UT Administrations are also giving additional honorarium to Anganwadi Workers and Anganwadi Helpers out of their own resources. State/UT-wise details are annexed.
The AWWs are provided training in the field of child care at the time of induction and during engagement.
(d) &(e): Improvement and upgradation of various components of the Scheme is an on-going process.
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