India has been facing numerous issues and problems, including malnutrition, lack of healthcare, and inability to access education, especially experienced by people residing in rural and underprivileged areas. It has been observed that children below the age of 5 suffer from malnutrition, while many pregnant and lactating mothers are unable to access quality healthcare.
It is imperative to protect mothers and their children in critical periods of their lives, and this led to the birth of the Anganwadi Scheme. The govt scheme offers a wholesome package of supplementary nutrition, immunisation, health check-ups, and informal education for children till the age of 6.
Read the article to learn more about the government scheme, ranging from its meaning and objectives to services provided by Anganwadi workers.
Overview
| Name of the scheme | Anganwadi Scheme |
|---|
| Launched in | 1975 |
| Launched by | Ministry of Women and Child Development |
| Objective | To reduce the rates of malnutrition, improve maternal and child health, and provide early childhood education |
| Benefits | Enriching nutrition, immunisation, health check-ups, and informal education |
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What Is The Anganwadi Scheme?
The Anganwadi Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development as a part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program in 1975. It focuses on promoting the health and overall development of children up to the age of 6 years, including pregnant and lactating mothers. These centres are located primarily in semi-urban or rural areas.
In addition to providing health support, Anganwadi centres also contribute toward improving gender equality and women’s empowerment. They carry out regular awareness programs as well as address the problems of the people and the need for Anganwadi centres.
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How Do Anganwadi Centres Operate?
Anganwadi centres operate in a systematised manner, the details of which are presented below. Let us have a look at the Anganwadi centres’ working scenarios in a simplified manner.
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Decentralised structure: Anganwadi centres are decentralised and function as community-based institutions run by Anganwadi workers and helpers, who are usually women from the local community.
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Integrated services: The centre operates as a part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program that links health, nutrition, and preschool educational services.
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Services: Under the Anganwadi scheme, essential food, growth monitoring, immunisation, and educational sessions are made available and accessible to the people residing in that area.
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Partnership with health departments: Anganwadi workers work in collaboration with local health workers, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers), and primary healthcare centres to deliver quality healthcare to mothers and their children.
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Working hours: Most Anganwadi centres work in daytime hours, and activities are organised by them as per the needs of the community and age of the groups.
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Services Provided Under The Anganwadi Scheme
Under the Anganwadi scheme, essential services are provided to children and their mothers. Some of the key services are:
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Nutrition: Nutrient-rich food is provided to children till the age of 6 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers so that they don’t fall prey to malnutrition.
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Immunisation: Basic healthcare services like regular health check-ups, immunisation against diseases for children and expecting mothers, and the provision of vitamin A supplements.
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Preschool education: Informal education activities using methods like storytelling, songs, and games are organised for children between the ages of 3 to 6 years and are provided that prepare them for formal education.
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Referral services: The Anganwadi scheme also keeps an eye on vulnerable children and mothers with diseases and illnesses and refers them to healthcare centres for early treatment.
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Growth monitoring: The Anganwadi workers regularly track the child’s weight and height to identify any vulnerability to health-related problems.
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Benefits Granted To Anganwadi Workers
Anganwadi workers are entitled to receive various benefits given they work so hard to bring a change in society. Some of the major benefits given to Anganwadi workers are mentioned below.
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Salary: Anganwadi workers and helpers receive monthly salaries, which vary from one state to another. It isn’t considered a formal salary but a financial reward for working for the greater good.
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Social security: In many states, Anganwadi workers are covered under various other government schemes like pension plans, insurance schemes, and medical benefits.
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Training: Workers undergo regular training sessions on child development, health, and nutrition to work effectively with children and women.
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Stable employment: The job provides stable employment to women within the community and offers economic support to their families.
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Rewards: Anganwadi workers are also recognised with awards for exceptional services demonstrated in the field of health and nutrition.
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Government Initiative With The Anganwadi Scheme
The Anganwadi scheme works in partnership with many other schemes provided by the government. The list of the government schemes are mentioned below:
| Saksham Anganwadi | This initiative focuses on improving the infrastructure and functioning of Anganwadi centres with a holistic approach to child health and nutrition. |
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| Mission Poshan 2.0 | This aims to strengthen the nutritional content and reduce the rates of malnutrition in children and women. |
| Anganwadi Workers Training Programme | This program offers regular training to Anganwadi workers and updates them with the latest practices in child development, health, and nutrition. |
| Healthcare Programs | Anganwadi centres work in collaboration with other programs like the National Health Mission and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan to improve the surroundings as well. |
How To Empower Anganwadi Workers?
Anganwadi workers can be empowered in several ways. Some of these ways are mentioned below:
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Salary increase: Raising the monthly salaries of the Anganwadi workers and helpers can help boost their morale and offer them financial stability.
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Career progression: Introducing promotions and career advancements like giving Anganwadi workers higher administrative roles based on their performance can be a significant step in encouraging them.
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Technology: Providing tools like smartphones and tablets to carry out their duties can help them significantly in organising their tasks more.
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Reduced workload: Hiring more Anganwadi workers and helpers can help them distribute their workload and work better with care and affection toward children and women.
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Voice: Giving Anganwadi workers and helpers a chance to voice their concerns and challenges and designing policies accordingly would help them feel appreciated and seen.
Overview of Anganwadi Recruitment
| Criteria | Details |
|---|
| Recruitment authority | State governments/ Union Territories |
| Scheme | Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) |
| Position | -Anganwadi worker -Anganwadi Helper -Mini Anganwadi Worker |
| Educational Qualification | Minimum 8th or 10th std. passed |
| Age limit | 18-35 years |
| Local residency | Candidates must be residents where the Anganwadi centres are located. |
| Selection process | Written test, interview, or merit-based selection |
| Preference is given to | Women |
| Application mode | Online: Through state ICDS portals Offline: By visiting the local Anganwadi centres or district ICDS offices |
| Job type | Not a permanent post |
| Salary | Varies (usually between 3000 to 10000 per month) |
| Reservation | SC/ST/OBC/Physically Handicapped |
| Application dates | Early 2024 (varies by state) |
Eligibility Criteria Under The Anganwadi Scheme
The eligibility criteria for applying to be an Anganwadi worker, helper, or Mini Anganwadi worker are:
- Candidates must have at least cleared the 10th standard or 8th standard in some states.
- Must be between the ages of 18-35 years of age; relaxation is given to reserved categories.
- Candidates must be residents where the Anganwadi centres are located.
- Preference is given to women, especially from the economically weaker sections of society.
Application Process For The Anganwadi Scheme
Interested and eligible candidates can apply through offline and online platforms at their convenience.
Steps for Application
Step 1: Visit your respective state’s ICDS website or the local office.
Step 2: Fill out the application form.
Step 3: Upload or attach the relevant documents.
Step 4: Submit the applications at the office or on the website.
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Salary Structure
| Post | Salary (per month) |
|---|
| Anganwadi worker - senior level | Rs. 7000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Anganwadi worker | Rs. 4500 to Rs. 6500 |
| Anganwadi helper | Rs. 3000 to Rs. 4500 |
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Conclusion
The Anganwadi Scheme is one of the most exceptional steps taken by the government of India that protects children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers and ensures that they are delivered with everything that they need for their holistic growth and development.
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