Anganwadi Workers in Ladakh and J&K: Dedicated Service, Yet Low Wages
Anganwadi workers, commonly known as Bau in Kargil and other parts of Ladakh, play a crucial role in India’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). These frontline workers are responsible for ensuring nutrition, health, and early childhood education for underprivileged children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. However, despite their dedication, the salary of Anganwadi workers in Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir remains significantly lower compared to other states in India.
The Role of Anganwadi Workers
Anganwadi workers and helpers act as the backbone of rural health and child development programs. Their responsibilities include:
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Conducting health and nutrition awareness programs.
Providing supplementary nutrition to children and mothers.
Conducting pre-school education for children under six years old.
Supporting government health campaigns, including vaccination drives, maternal health programs, and awareness campaigns on hygiene and sanitation.
Despite these responsibilities, the financial compensation they receive is far below the efforts they put in.
Salary Disparity: A Major Concern
In Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, Anganwadi workers are paid much less than their counterparts in other states like Punjab, Delhi, and Maharashtra. While some states have increased salaries and provided additional benefits, the workers in this region struggle with low wages and irregular payments.
To highlight the disparity, here’s a comparison of monthly salaries in different regions:
Delhi: ₹12,000 – ₹14,000
Maharashtra: ₹10,000 – ₹12,000
Jammu & Kashmir/Ladakh: ₹6,000 – ₹7,500 (approximately)
This stark difference affects the livelihood and motivation of workers, making it difficult for them to sustain their families.
Demands of Anganwadi Workers in Ladakh and J&K
Anganwadi workers in the region have been demanding a fair salary hike and other benefits, including:
1. Timely and increased wages that match the rising cost of living.
2. Job regularization with pension and medical benefits.
3. Proper infrastructure for Anganwadi centers.
4. Insurance and social security for workers, considering their crucial role in community health.
Conclusion
Anganwadi workers in Ladakh and J&K continue to serve their communities with dedication, yet their efforts often go unrecognized in terms of fair wages. The government must take immediate steps to increase their salaries, provide better working conditions, and recognize their contribution to society. A motivated and well-supported workforce is essential for the success of public health and child development programs in these regions.
If you agree that Anganwadi workers deserve better pay, it is time to raise awareness and support their demands for fair wages and benefits.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Voice of Ladakh or its editorial team.
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The salary should be reviewed and to be paid in pace with the inflation. It is not to be compared with other regions or states. Better salaries must be paid to the teachers working for the noble cause . Also, it is equally important to provide with right kind of infrastructure to the students and teachers. Let us not compromise, when it comes to nation building or strengthening of our nation
. Jai Hind! Bharat Mata Ki, Jai!
I too think it is total injustice with the anganwadi workers,other states play a handsome amount of salary and in jk they are not taken seriously
Unfortunately in Ladakh no one takes serious anganwadi workers and they have very low salary than the rest of the others states۔
Thank you for sharing your perspective! I agree that salaries should be reviewed according to inflation, but at the same time, a fair wage should be ensured across all states. Anganwadi workers in Ladakh and J&K perform the same duties as those in other states, yet they receive lower pay. This inequality should be addressed so that all workers are valued equally for their efforts.
Great job dera sister.
There issues are geniune.
Work more pay less it’s totally injustice we make sure our UT Ladakh government has taken good steps and consider it most urgent basis.