J&K second lowest in Anganwadi honorariums, trails neighbouring states

Lack of basic infra, facilities for young children sparks discontent; workers demand parity

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir is the second-lowest among all states and Union Territories in providing additional honorariums to Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) from its own resources, despite receiving 90 percent of the required funds from the central government.
This huge disparity in payments compared to neighboring states and UTs has led to growing discontent among Anganwadi staff, who have been demanding parity with their counterparts, working in over 28,000 operational Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) across Jammu and Kashmir.
According to official documents, the central government provides honorarium funds at the rates of Rs 4,500 per month for AWWs at main Anganwadi Centers (AWCs), ₹3,500 for AWWs at mini-AWCs, and ₹2,250 for AWHs. The cost-sharing ratio for these funds varies, with Jammu and Kashmir, categorized as a Himalayan state, receiving a 90:10 central-to-state funding ratio.
“Jammu and Kashmir government contributes only Rs 600 to AWWs and Rs 300 to AWHs as an additional honorarium from its own resources every month, placing it just above Mizoram, which pays ₹450 and ₹250, respectively, from its own resources,” the documents revealed.
The meagre amount is in stark contrast to a respectable amount of Tamil Nadu provides Rs 10,502 to AWWs and Rs 6,596 to AWHs, while Telangana offers Rs 9,150 and Rs 5,550, respectively. Even Himachal Pradesh allocates Rs 5,000 to AWWs and Rs 2,950 to mini-AWC workers, with AWHs receiving Rs 3,100. Meanwhile, Delhi grants Rs 8,220 per month to AWWs and Rs 4,560 to AWHs from its own funds.
“With a view to incentivize and encourage the AWWs and Anganwadi Helpers AWHs, various initiatives have been undertaken including promotional opportunities under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, Social Security Insurance Schemes under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) for life cover worth Rs.2 lakh (covers life risk, death due to any reason) besides state governments and UT administrations have been requested to encourage eligible AWWs and AWHs to get themselves enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan (PM-SYM) Pension Scheme, which is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme for the unorganized sectors in the country to ensure old age protection.
Pertinently, thousands of AWCs are still functioning in rented buildings many centres don’t have their own buildings. As per the guidelines, each AWC should have basic infrastructure, including a sitting room for children, a kitchen and 600 square feet of playing area for children, along with child friendly drinking and toilet facilities.

Updated On 12/2/2024 1:46:03 AM