(a) whether the Government is aware of the concerns expressed by anganwadi workers regarding inadequate pay structure;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken by the Government to ensure fair, market based pay to such workers; and
(c) whether the Government has provided any recommendations in this regard to the States and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI KRISHNA RAJ)
(a) to(c) Government is aware of the concerns expressed by Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) for enhancement in their remuneration. The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme envisages the Anganwadi Workers & Helpers 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. Being honorary workers, they are paid monthly honoraria as decided by Government from time to time.
The honorarium of Anganwadi Workers and Anganwadi Helpers was enhanced by Government of India from Rs.1500/- p.m. to Rs.3000/- p.m. and Rs.750/- p.m. to Rs.1500/- p.m. respectively w.e.f. 01.4.2011. The honorarium of AWWs engaged in Mini-AWCs has further been enhanced from Rs.1500/- p.m. to Rs.2250/- p.m. w.e.f. 04.07.2013. Besides, most of the States/UTs are also giving additional honorarium to Anganwadi Workers and Anganwadi Helpers out of their own resources for any additional work assigned to them from time to time.
The Government of India from time to time has been requesting the State Governments/UT Administrations to pay additional honorarium to these workers from their own resources also. The payment of additional honorarium by the State Governments to these workers is at their discretion.
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