Various initiatives undertaken to incentivize and encourage Anganwadi Workers and Helpers

**Executive Summary** This document outlines various initiatives by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to incentivize and encourage Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs). Key provisions include enhanced honorariums, leave benefits, promotion opportunities, and social security insurance schemes. The goal is to recognize and support these crucial community service providers. The initiatives are to be implemented by States and UTs, with specific mention of healthcare coverage under AB-PMJAY in FY 2024-25. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Honorarium Enhancement:** * Since October 1, 2018, the Government of India has increased the monthly honorarium for AWWs from ₹3,000 to ₹4,500 and for AWHs from ₹1,500 to ₹2,250, based on a defined cost-sharing ratio between the Centre and States/UTs. * Performance-linked incentives of ₹500 per month are provided to AWWs and ₹250 per month to AWHs. * States and UTs also provide additional monetary incentives and top-ups from their own resources. * **Leave Benefits:** * AWWs and AWHs are entitled to 20 days of annual leave. * Paid maternity absence of 180 days is provided. * Paid absence of 45 days is granted for abortion/miscarriage. * **Social Security and Pension:** * Eligible AWWs and AWHs are encouraged to enroll in the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan (PM-SYM) Pension Scheme for old-age protection. * Insurance benefits are provided under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) for life cover worth ₹2.00 lakh (for ages 18-50). * Accidental cover of ₹2.00 lakh for accidental death and permanent full disability, or ₹1.00 lakh for partial but permanent disability, is available under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (for ages 18-59). * **Promotion and Career Advancement:** * Under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, promotional opportunities have been enhanced. * 50% of AWW posts are to be filled by AWHs with 5 years of experience. * 50% of Supervisor posts are to be filled by promotion of AWWs with 5 years of experience, subject to other criteria. * **Retirement and Healthcare:** * States and UTs have been requested to adopt a uniform retirement date of April 30th each year for AWWs and AWHs to facilitate human resource planning. * Annual healthcare coverage of ₹5 Lakhs under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) will be provided to all AWWs and AWHs, as announced in the budget for FY 2024-25. **Impact Analysis** **Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs)** * **Impact:** These workers will receive enhanced financial benefits through increased honorariums, performance incentives, and potential top-ups from states. They will also benefit from improved leave entitlements, social security insurance coverage, and clearer pathways for promotion and career advancement. Access to healthcare under AB-PMJAY and pension under PM-SYM will provide greater financial security. * **Action Required:** AWWs and AWHs should actively pursue enrollment in the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan (PM-SYM) Pension Scheme and ensure they meet the criteria for available social security insurance benefits. They should also be aware of the new promotion opportunities and the uniform retirement date. **State Governments and UT Administrations** * **Impact:** These entities are responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the announced initiatives, including facilitating the enrollment of AWWs and AWHs in schemes like PM-SYM and AB-PMJAY. They also play a role in managing the enhanced honorariums, leave benefits, and promotion processes. The uniform retirement date requires their adoption and implementation. * **Action Required:** State Governments and UT Administrations are requested to encourage eligible AWWs and AWHs to enroll in the PM-SYM scheme. They need to facilitate the implementation of the uniform retirement date and ensure the efficient processing of promotions and other benefits as outlined in the document. They are also responsible for the cost-sharing of honorarium enhancements and for implementing the healthcare coverage in FY 2024-25.

Key Entities Referenced