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 the 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.

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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Overview Of 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 in semi-urban or rural areas primarily.

In addition to providing health support, Anganwadi centres also contribute toward improving gender equality and women 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.

• 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.

• Integrated services: The centre operates as a part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program that links health, nutrition, and preschool educational services.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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:

• 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.

• Immunisation: Basic healthcare services like regular health check-ups, immunisation against diseases for children and expecting mothers, and the provision of supplying vitamin A supplements.

• Preschool education: Informal education activities using methods like storytelling, songs, and games are organised for children between the ages of 3 to 6 years is provided that prepare them for formal education.

• 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.

• 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 the society. Some of the major benefits given to Anganwadi workers are mentioned below.

• 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.

• Social security: In many states, Anganwadi workers are covered under various other government schemes like pension plans, insurance schemes, and medical benefits.

• Training: Workers undergo regular training sessions on child development, health, and nutrition to work effectively with children and women.

• Stable employment: The job provides stable employment to women within the community and offers economic support to their families.

• Rewards: Anganwadi workers are also recognised with awards for exceptional services demonstrated in the field of health and nutrition.

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.
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 empowerment ways are mentioned below:

• Salary increase: Raising the monthly salaries of the Anganwadi workers and helpers can help boost their morale and offer them financial stability.

• 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.

• Technology: Providing tools like smartphones and tablets to carry out their duties can help them significantly in organising their tasks more.

• 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.

• 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 2024 And Important Dates

Criteria	Details
Recruitment authority	Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
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

Eligibility Criteria Under The Anganwadi Scheme

The eligibility criteria for applying to be an Anganwadi worker, helper, or Mini Anganwadi worker are:

• Candidates must be at least 10th standard passed or 8th standard passed 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.

Documents Required For the Anganwadi Scheme

Interested and eligible candidates need to submit the following relevant documents to successfully apply to be an Anganwadi worker, helper, or Mini Anganwadi worker:

• Education certificates

• Birth certificate

• Domicile certificate

• Caste certificate (if needed, from SC/ST/OBC)

• Identity proof

• Passport-sized photographs

• Experience certificate

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.

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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Important Links

Official Website: https://wcd.gov.in/

Contact Information: https://wcd.gov.in/directory