Anganwadi workers and helpers are preparing to join a one-day protest on September 28, raising concerns over delayed honorarium payments and several workplace issues. Workers say the problem is not limited to payment delays. They are also seeking better support for their daily work, health protection, retirement benefits and digital work requirements.
Here are the eight major problems raised by the Anganwadi workers’ association.
1. Honorarium is not being received on time
Anganwadi workers say their honorarium has not been received since August 2026. Workers receive an honorarium of ₹12,000 per month, while helpers receive ₹6,000 per month. According to the association, payments are sometimes delayed by two or three months. The workers are demanding that the monthly honorarium be paid by the 5th of every month.
For workers depending on this income for household expenses, loan payments and other needs, they say such delays create financial difficulties.
2. Workers say they sometimes pay for eggs from their own pocket
Anganwadi centres provide food and nutrition-related services to children. Association says funds required for providing eggs are not always received adequately or on time. As a result, workers claim they sometimes have to spend their own money to meet the requirement. Workers want adequate funds to be released on time so that they do not have to bear these expenses personally.
3. Uniform quality is another concern
Anganwadi workers are provided uniforms as part of their work requirements. Association has raised concerns about the quality of uniforms supplied this year. It alleges that some of the uniforms were of poor quality and not suitable for use. Workers are seeking uniforms that match the sanctioned amount and meet basic quality requirements.
4. Demand for health insurance or ESI
Anganwadi workers and helpers are also demanding better health protection. Association has sought ESI or health insurance coverage for workers and helpers. Their argument is that people working regularly with children and families should have financial protection when they face health-related expenses.
5. Gratuity for retired workers
Another major demand concerns retirement benefits. Association has sought gratuity for workers and helpers who retired from 2011 onwards. Workers say retirement benefits are important after years of service and want the government to address the issue.
6. Poshan Tracker work and 5G mobile phones
Anganwadi workers are required to enter various details through the Poshan Tracker system. The association says the digital workload requires suitable mobile phones and has demanded good quality 5G smartphones for this work. Workers explains that proper devices would make digital reporting easier and reduce difficulties while carrying out their responsibilities.
7. More funds for day-to-day Anganwadi needs
Anganwadi centres need various materials and supplies for their regular functioning. Association has demanded adequate contingency or “sadilvaru” funds for essential requirements. According to the workers, timely funds are necessary to ensure that basic activities at the centres can continue without workers having to personally manage expenses.
8. Protest over working conditions and pending demands
Workers say these issues have been raised repeatedly and want action on their demands. As part of the protest programme, the association has decided to participate in a one-day strike at the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner’s office on September 28, 2026.
Puttur taluk Anganwadi workers have also decided to support the district-level protest. Association has further announced that workers will not attend sector meetings during September and that, from October 1, they plan to stop entering information in the Poshan Tracker as part of their protest.
What are Anganwadi workers actually asking for?
Their demands can be broadly grouped into four areas:
- Timely payment: Monthly honorarium should be paid regularly.
- Better work support: Adequate funds, uniforms and digital equipment.
- Social security: Health insurance or ESI and gratuity.
- Financial protection: Workers should not have to spend their own money for essential centre-related requirements.
Why does this matter?
Anganwadi centres are part of the grassroots nutrition and child-care system. Workers and helpers are involved in activities such as supporting children, maintaining records and implementing nutrition-related programmes.
Therefore, the dispute is not only about the amount of honorarium. It is also about when workers receive their payment, what support they receive to perform their duties and what benefits are available to them after years of service. September 28 protest will bring these concerns into focus.
Note: The figures, demands and allegations mentioned in this explainer are based on representations and statements made by the Anganwadi workers’ association. Concerned government departments’ response should also be considered when available.
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