Indian Government to Strengthened the Anganwadi System

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA Government has strengthened the Anganwadi system with spending of over eighteen thousand crore funds, in the last financial year.

Replying to a discussion on Private Members’ Business in the Lok Sabha on Friday, Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said 18 different ministries are working in tandem to provide logistic and administrative facilities to nearly 13 lakh Anganwadi centres across the country.

She said it was the Congress-led UPA Government that committed to the Supreme Court that Anganwadi workers shall be treated on an honorarium basis rather than permanent government employees. However, it was the NDA government that the honorarium of the workers was enhanced from 750 to three thousand 500 rupees per month.

Ms Irani said considering the services during the Covid Pandemic, it was PM Modi who announced insurance coverage to Anganwadi workers.

She said Government has settled 1,905 claims by Anganwadi workers under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Insurance package. She also said, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bhima and Suraksha Bhima Yojana also extended to the workers, a premium paid by the Centre.

The Minister said that clear directions were sent to all the Chief Secretaries of the States and Union Territories that Anganwadi workers shall not be burdened with additional work. She said, with eleven lakh smartphones for poshan tracking systems, 12 lakh growth monitoring devices and broadband connectivity the anganwadis are also digitally strengthened.  She informed that over 10 lakh Anganwadi beneficiaries are now aadhar ceded, as well. Ms Irani said sufficient funds have been provided for new buildings and to rent suitable buildings for Anganwadi activities.