Umair Ashraf
Anganwadi workers form the bedrock of India’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, established in 1975 to address malnutrition, healthcare, and education among vulnerable populations. In Jammu and Kashmir, their role is amplified by the unique challenges of the region, including political instability, harsh climatic conditions, and difficult terrains. These workers form a crucial link between communities and government welfare schemes, ensuring the delivery of essential services to the most marginalized. Their reach extends to some of the most remote areas, often requiring immense personal effort to navigate treacherous terrains. Despite the significance of their work, these workers remain undervalued, underpaid, and overburdened. Often, their contributions are overshadowed by administrative inefficiencies and a lack of public recognition. It is imperative to highlight their struggles, achievements, and the pressing need for administrative reforms to ensure justice and sustainability for these vital contributors to national development.

The Critical Role of Anganwadi Workers in the ICDS Scheme
The ICDS scheme aims to improve the health and nutritional status of pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under six. Anganwadi workers are tasked with implementing a wide range of services, including nutritional supplementation, immunization, health check-ups, and preschool education. Their presence in communities ensures that even the poorest and most marginalized families have access to essential health and nutrition services. In Kashmir, where social and economic hardships are more pronounced, their efforts become a lifeline for families in need. Each worker manages hundreds of individuals, often multitasking to provide personalized care. They also act as counselors, guiding families on maternal and child health practices, and serving as first responders for various social and medical crises. This critical role becomes even more pronounced in tribal and rural areas, where access to healthcare facilities is limited. Their work not only bridges the gap between government schemes and beneficiaries but also ensures the sustainability of health and educational outcomes for children and families alike.
From Volunteers to Trained Psychologists: Transforming Child Welfare
Anganwadi workers in Kashmir often function as the first psychologists for young children, a role that requires immense skill and dedication. Trained to understand child psychology, they can identify developmental abnormalities and report them to medical professionals for timely interventions. Their ability to detect behavioral or cognitive challenges early on helps families access critical care when it is most impactful. Their role in shaping a child’s academic journey is critical, as they employ innovative teaching techniques to stimulate young minds. These workers use locally available resources to make learning engaging, even in under-resourced settings. Additionally, they educate parents, helping them adapt their parenting styles to meet the evolving needs of their children. This dual focus on child development and parental guidance fosters a nurturing environment for holistic growth. Their integration with doctors and regular reporting to officers create a robust web of safety for children and families. This system extends to addressing domestic violence cases and other social issues, making them key contributors to community welfare. Recognizing their expertise and enhancing their visibility through awards or platforms for dialogue would not only acknowledge their efforts but also amplify their impact on society.
The Burden of “Honorary” Classification
Despite their extensive responsibilities, Anganwadi workers are classified as “honorary” employees, a designation that denies them formal employment status and associated benefits. This classification significantly undermines their financial security, leaving them to rely solely on meager honorariums. They do not receive pensions, health insurance, or maternity leave, leaving them financially and socially vulnerable. Their honorariums are shockingly low—averaging ₹6,600 per month for workers and ₹3,300 for helpers in Kashmir. These figures stand in stark contrast to the growing cost of living and the critical nature of their work. The introduction of the Poshan Tracker app has added a technological layer to their duties, requiring workers to upload real-time data, including attendance and nutritional records. While this has improved transparency and efficiency, it has also increased their workload without corresponding compensation or resources. The lack of formal employment status not only devalues their contributions but also limits their opportunities for career growth and skill enhancement. This imbalance further exacerbates their struggles, as they are expected to adopt new responsibilities without adequate support. Addressing this disparity is essential for both the well-being of the workers and the communities they serve.
The Rise of Qualified Women in Anganwadi Services
The eligibility criteria for Anganwadi workers have evolved over the years, now requiring graduate degrees. This shift has attracted a new generation of highly qualified women, including those with degrees in technology, science, and other professional fields. These women, who could easily secure lucrative jobs in the private or public sectors, choose to serve their communities instead. Their intellectual contributions are modernizing the Anganwadi system, bringing creativity and innovation to grassroots development. For instance, many workers use their educational background to introduce data-driven approaches to community issues, ensuring more accurate and efficient solutions. A BTech graduate working as an Anganwadi worker in Kashmir could have pursued high-paying tech roles but opted for social service. However, her honorarium barely covers her transportation costs, let alone other basic needs. The government must recognize this transformation and provide fair compensation, acknowledging that these workers are not merely volunteers but skilled professionals contributing to national development. Their growing presence also presents an opportunity to align grassroots efforts with broader developmental goals, but only if their skills are adequately valued and utilized.
Disparities in Honorariums Across States
A glaring issue in the Anganwadi system is the disparity in honorariums across states. While states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra supplement honorariums with state budgets, Jammu and Kashmir lags behind, offering among the lowest payments in the country. This disparity underscores the need for state-specific interventions to address the financial struggles of Anganwadi workers. Such disparities not only demoralize workers but also threaten the uniformity and effectiveness of the ICDS scheme nationwide. The government’s focus on inflation and the introduction of the 8th Pay Commission for general employees highlights the glaring oversight in addressing the plight of Anganwadi workers. If general employees receive regular increments to match market conditions, why are these tirelessly working intellectual minds left behind? Additionally, this disparity reflects broader systemic issues in how grassroots-level work is valued. Ensuring fair compensation for Anganwadi workers would not only provide them justice but also improve the quality of services delivered to the community. Aligning their honorariums with those of other states could set a precedent for addressing wage gaps and inconsistencies across various public sector roles.
COVID-19: A Test of Resilience
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges for Anganwadi workers, thrusting them into the frontline of the nation’s fight against the virus. In Kashmir, they risked their safety to distribute ration kits, provide health education, and ensure the continuation of essential services. Despite these efforts, their contributions during the pandemic went largely unnoticed, with no additional support or incentives provided. The pandemic also highlighted their role as crisis managers, as they worked to dispel misinformation, encourage vaccination, and maintain public trust in government initiatives. This period highlighted their resilience and adaptability, as they managed to fulfill their duties despite limited resources and increased risks. The lack of personal protective equipment, delayed honorariums, and the emotional toll of witnessing community struggles added layers of difficulty to their work. The government’s failure to recognize their role during this crisis further underscores the need for systemic reforms. Providing additional incentives during emergencies could act as a significant motivator and acknowledgment of their critical role in managing crises.
A Call for Administrative Reform
The government must take immediate steps to address the challenges faced by Anganwadi workers in Kashmir. This includes revising honorariums to match inflation rates, providing formal employment status, and ensuring access to benefits like pensions and health insurance. Training programs and resources should also be made available to help workers adapt to technological advancements and manage their expanding roles effectively. Furthermore, creating platforms for dialogue and feedback could empower workers to voice their concerns and propose solutions, fostering a more inclusive administrative framework. Recognizing their contributions through awards and public acknowledgment would boost their morale and encourage more young, qualified women to join the workforce. Moreover, integrating Anganwadi workers into broader policy discussions and decision-making processes would ensure that their insights and experiences shape the future of community welfare programs. Ensuring consistency in their work conditions and pay structures across states would also address long-standing disparities. Only through comprehensive reforms can the government ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of this vital workforce.
On April 25, 2022, the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment affirming that Anganwadi workers and helpers are entitled to gratuity under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. The Court clarified that Anganwadi centers fulfill statutory duties under the National Food Security Act, 2013, and Section 11 of the Right to Education Act, 2009, which makes them establishments under the ambit of the Payment of Gratuity Act. This recognition entitles these workers to gratuity payments as a part of their employment benefits.
The judgment emphasized that the honorarium paid to Anganwadi workers and helpers is covered under the definition of “wages” as per the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. Therefore, the workers, despite being termed “honorary,” are classified as employees for the purpose of gratuity entitlement. The ruling dismissed the argument that Anganwadi workers and helpers are part-time employees, establishing that their employment is full-time and integral to the services provided by the centers.
Applicability in Jammu and Kashmir
Following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, central laws, including the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, became applicable in Jammu and Kashmir. This means that Anganwadi workers and helpers in Jammu and Kashmir are now entitled to the same benefits under this Act as their counterparts in other parts of the country.This judgment underscores the importance of recognizing the contributions of Anganwadi workers and helpers, ensuring their entitlement to gratuity and other benefits to acknowledge their service in advancing child development and community welfare.
Conclusion: The Need for Justice and Recognition
Anganwadi workers in Kashmir are the unsung heroes of India’s grassroots development efforts. Their work, spanning health, education, and social welfare, directly impacts the lives of thousands. Yet, they continue to face financial and social challenges that undermine their contributions. As the government rolls out new policies and technological tools, it must ensure that these workers are adequately supported and compensated. The entry of highly qualified women into the Anganwadi system presents an opportunity to modernize and improve its services. By recognizing their efforts and addressing their concerns, the government can strengthen the ICDS scheme and ensure a brighter future for the children and families of Kashmir. It is time to move beyond token acknowledgment and provide these workers with the justice and respect they deserve. Only then can we truly honor their invaluable role in shaping a healthier, more equitable society.
Umair Ashraf is a committed Social Activist and Mental health Advocate, raising awareness through Articles and public education. He can be reached at Umairvani07@gmail.com