Government has issued directions to all States/UTs to make all possible arrangements for providing safety tools like masks and sanitizers etc. to Anganwadi Workers, Anganwadi Helpers and ASHAs in the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Anganwadi Workers (AWWs)/Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) have been covered under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Anganwadi Karyakarti Bima Yojana (AKBY). They have also been provided Female Critical Illness benefits of ₹ 20,000/- on diagnosis of identified illness and scholarships for their children studying in 9th Std. to 12th Std. including ITI courses. ASHA workers have been granted an additional incentive of Rs.1000/- per month in view of their significant contribution towards Covid-19 pandemic related work. Further, an incentive of Rs. 2000 has been directed to be paid in full without any deduction given the tremendous efforts made by ASHA at the field level during COVID-19 period. Under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package, Insurance Scheme has been introduced for all health workers, including ASHAs. This insurance scheme provides an insurance cover of Rs. 50 lakh in case of loss of life due to COVID 19 pandemic or else due to accident on account of COVID related duty.

Anganwadi Worker/Helpers are “honorary workers” from the local community who come forward to render their services on part time basis in the area of child care and development. Honorary workers, as such, cannot be declared permanent government servants nor can be given any civil post.

Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) & Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) are paid a monthly honoraria as decided by the Government from time to time. Government of India has enhanced the honorarium of AWWs at main-AWCs from ₹3,000/- to ₹4,500/- per month; AWWs at mini- AWCs from ₹2,250/- to ₹3,500/- per month; AWHs from ₹1,500/- to ₹2,250/- per month. In addition, States/UTs are also paying additional monetary incentives/honorarium to these functionaries from their own resources.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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BY/AS