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.

Zainab Khatoon

Zainab Khatoon is a postgraduate student hailing from Kargil, with a deep passion for writing on pressing social issues and community development.