Anganwadi Centres: India's Frontline Nutrition Workers Are Burning Out
India's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) runs 14 lakh anganwadi centres serving 10 crore beneficiaries, but frontline workers face wage delays, infrastructure gaps, and mounting workloads.
Key Takeaways
India's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) runs 14 lakh anganwadi centres serving 10 crore beneficiaries, but frontline workers face wage delays, infrastructure gaps, and mounting workloads.
- India operates 14 lakh anganwadi centres serving 10 crore beneficiaries
- Anganwadi workers receive honorarium of ₹10,000/month, below minimum wage in most states
- 40% of anganwadi centres lack functional toilets and drinking water
- ICDS budget grew 25% in 5 years but remains under 0.3% of GDP
Evidence
Anganwadi workers earn wages comparable to MGNREGA workers.
Strong86%- ▶While MGNREGA wages average ₹267/day for 100 days, anganwadi workers receive a fixed monthly honorarium of ₹10,000 — roughly ₹333/day but with no guaranteed days, pensions, or benefits.
India has reduced stunting among children under 5 from 48% to 35% since 2006.
Verified88%- ▶NFHS-5 (2019-21) data shows stunting declined from 48% (NFHS-3, 2005-06) to 35.5%, though progress has slowed in the last 5 years.
Key Numbers
Timeline
ICDS Budget Allocation Over Time (₹ Crore)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
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