No proposal to increase salary of Anganwadi workers under consideration: Government

NEW DELHI: The Union minister of women and child development, Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today informed about the criteria for recruitment of Anganwadi workers. The ministry also informed that there is no proposal under consideration to increase the salary of Anganwadi workers.

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Anganwadi workers under the Anganwadi Services Scheme are selected from the local village by a committee constituted by the state government or union territory (UT) administration.

As per the eligibility criteria, the minimum prescribed qualification is matriculation and age limit is 18-35 years for engagement of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs).

The ministry said, “AWWs and AWHs, being honorary workers, are paid monthly honoraria as decided by the Government from time to time, which is uniform in all States/UTs. AWWs at main Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) are paid an honorarium of Rs 4,500 per month; AWWs at mini- AWCs Rs 3,500 per month and AWHs are paid Rs 2,250 per month. Also, performance linked incentive of Rs 250 per month is paid to AWHs and Rs 500 per month to AWWs.”

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In addition, state governments are also paying additional monetary incentives or honorarium to these functionaries from their own resources. Presently, no proposal to increase the salary of Anganwadi Workers is under consideration, the ministry informed.