The plight of Anganwadi Sevikas and Helpers in Maharashtra highlights the ongoing struggle for fair compensation and recognition as government employees. Despite their indispensable role in driving grassroots welfare initiatives for women and children, these dedicated workers are faced with meager salaries that fail to reflect the magnitude of their responsibilities. The recent salary hike of around Rs 1,500 falls short of the workers\’ expectations, who had hoped for an increase of at least Rs 4,000-5,000.
The demanding nature of their work, coupled with rising inflation, makes it increasingly difficult for these women to make ends meet. Widows and single mothers make up a significant portion of the workforce, and many are barely surviving on their current incomes. Moreover, the government\’s delayed and insufficient payments further exacerbate their financial hardships.
Beyond their own remuneration, Anganwadi workers are fighting for timely benefits for scheme beneficiaries, improvements in the quality of food, and better conditions for Anganwadi centers. The existing allocation of funds for these centers is inadequate, hindering their ability to provide an optimal environment for children’s education, health, and nutrition.
Furthermore, the number of Anganwadi centers has not kept pace with the growing population, particularly in urban areas. This has led to an overwhelming workload for the already stretched-thin Sevikas and Helpers, who often manage the centers without any additional support.
The struggle of these Anganwadi workers raises questions about gender disparities, as their demands and efforts would likely have been met more promptly if they were men. It underscores the urgent need for the government to recognize the invaluable contributions of these women and provide them with fair compensation, timely payments, and improved working conditions.
Source: Indie Journal
