The Modi government increased remuneration for Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) and Anganwadi workers. Anganwadi program was started in 1975 under Integrated Child Development Programs (ICDS) which aims to provide food, preschool education, and primary healthcare to children less than 6 years of age, and their mothers. As of now, there are almost 28 lakh Anganwadi workers across the country. The program has been very successful in country’s fight against child mortality, malnutrition, and maternal mortality. Anganwadi workers get paid by both the central government and state government and the financing for ICDS program is also shared.
The workers were asking for raise from central and state governments for long. Finally central government has accepted their demand for a raise. PM Modi announced that, the workers receiving Rs 3,000 so far would now receive Rs 4,000. Similarly, those receiving Rs 2,200, would now get Rs 3,500. The honorarium for Anganwadi helpers has also been increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,250. Another benefit announced to the Anganwadi workers, auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM), and ASHA workers is free insurance cover under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the Prime Minister Suraksha Bima Yojana. This means these workers would not have to pay premium on 2 lakh insurance covers. PM interacted with lakhs of ASHA, ANM, and Anganwadi workers through video conferencing. Previously some states have also accepted the demand for raise by hardworking workers. In Mandhya Pradesh, workers and helpers earn 10,000 and 5,000 rupees respectively while in Karnataka they are remunerated with 8,000 and 4,000 rupees. Telangana and Haryana governments also pay well to Anganwadi workers in their states. Telanagana gives Rs 10,500 and Rs 7,000 and Haryana pays Rs 11,429 to its workers, twice the amount that is given to helpers.
Anganwadi and mini-Anganwadi centres (AWCs/mini-AWCs) are deposit centers for oral rehydration salts, basic medicines and contraceptives for newborn babies and their mothers. The workers take care of overall development of children of less than 6 years and also look after pregnant women, their work is very exhaustive but they are paid below standard and do not have the tag of formal government employee. Anganwadi workers, ANM, and ASHA workers played an important role in improving rural health conditions in the country but they did not get their due credit. The Modi government has done a noble task by interacting with them to recognize their hard work and raise their pay.
As the government goes for reelection in less than a year, the welfare schemes will help the government in performing well in rural constituencies and lower middle class of the country. This is not the first time government is taking care of hitherto ignored hardworking employees. Earlier, the Modi government had increased the pay of postmen in the country.