LUCKNOW: In a significant move aimed at strengthening grassroots-level childcare and nutrition services, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a large-scale recruitment drive for Anganwadi workers and helpers. A total of 69,206 vacancies will be filled, including 7,952 positions for Anganwadi workers and 61,254 for Anganwadi helpers (sahayikas).
To oversee the recruitment process, district-level committees have been constituted under the chairmanship of District Magistrates. The Directorate of Women and Child Development and Nutrition has already issued instructions to all districts. A dedicated portal — upanganwadibharti.In — has been created for uploading vacancy details and processing applications.
Eligibility Criteria
- Anganwadi Workers:
- Minimum qualification: Passed Intermediate (Class 12).
- Age limit: 18 to 35 years.
- 50% of the posts will be reserved for existing Anganwadi helpers who have served a minimum of five years in their village (rural areas) or ward (urban areas).
- Eligible helpers must also be Intermediate pass, and the maximum age for promotion is 50 years.
- Helpers with a record of negligence, including unauthorized leave of more than three months, will not be considered.
- Anganwadi Helpers (Sahayikas):
- Minimum qualification: Passed Intermediate.
- Age limit: 18 to 35 years.
Reason for Vacancies
Out of the 7,952 Anganwadi worker posts, about 2,123 remain vacant from last year’s recruitment due to issues such as incomplete documentation, improper adherence to reservation norms, or selected candidates not joining after appointment. Another 5,523 new posts have been created with the opening of additional Anganwadi centers.
For helpers, the 61,254 vacancies include:
- 38,994 posts vacated after existing helpers reached 62 years of age or passed away.
- 22,260 new posts created due to the upgradation of mini-Anganwadi centers into full-fledged Anganwadi centers.
Role and Responsibilities of Anganwadi Workers
Anganwadi workers form the backbone of India’s flagship Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. Their responsibilities include:
- Providing nutritional meals and supplementary food to children below six years of age, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
- Monitoring the health and growth of children, conducting regular weight checks, and facilitating immunization programs.
- Offering pre-school non-formal education and preparing children for school readiness.
- Conducting awareness campaigns on health, hygiene, family planning, and women’s rights.
- Assisting in community surveys and acting as a vital link between government services and rural households.
Helpers (sahayikas) support workers in cooking, distributing food, maintaining cleanliness in Anganwadi centers, and helping manage children.
Honorarium and Emoluments
The work, though crucial, comes with modest financial support:
- Anganwadi Workers receive a monthly honorarium of ₹7,500.
- Anganwadi Helpers are paid ₹3,750 per month.
While these honorariums are not considered full salaries, they serve as an incentive and recognition of the workers’ contribution to child development and maternal care in the state’s villages and urban slums.