Abstract
Several reasons make the Anganwadi and ASHA workers in India rather unique. This ‘all-women’ workforce is not considered ‘workers’, but only as ‘volunteers’ under Integrated Child Development Program (ICDS) and National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), respectively. They are entitled to an honorarium and not wages besides PBP (performance-based payment)! This chapter assesses the challenges faced by these women as frontline Corona Warriors using a combination of methods, including telephonic interviews with the sample and the use of questionnaires. A few individual case studies have been added to bring home the stark ground realities. The chapter pleads for ‘Essential Services’ status, which would be an apt response to their services during challenging times.
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Notes
- 1.
Kishori Shakti Yojana (KSY). Seeks to empower adolescent girls and provide them with an opportunity to realize their full potential. The broad objectives of the Scheme are to improve the nutritional, health and development status of adolescent girls, promote awareness of health, hygiene, nutrition and family care, link them to opportunities for learning life skills, going back to school, help them gain a better understanding of their social environment and take initiatives to become productive members of the society.
- 2.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP). Since coordinated and convergent efforts are needed to ensure survival, protection and empowerment of the girl child, Government of India has announced Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative. This is being implemented through a national campaign and focused multi sectoral action in 100 selected districts low in CSR, covering all states and UTs. This is a joint initiative of Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Human Resource Development.
- 3.
Savitribai Phule (1831–97) was an Indian social reformer, and educationist from Maharashtra. She is regarded as the first female teacher of India. Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she played an important and vital role in improving women’s rights in India.
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Acknowledgements
The author expresses her sincere thanks to Ms. Armaity Irani, Maharashtra Rajya Anganwadi Karmachari Sangh, Com. M A Patil, member of the Maharashtra Rajya Anganwadi Karmachari Kruti Samiti, Com. Shubha Shamim, State Secretary, CITU, and Sangeeta Kamble for their cooperation and guidance. She also thanks Shri Parag Masram and Ms. Ramaa Naniwadekar for helping her with the online questionnaires.
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Krishnaprasad, S. (2021). The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Case of Anganwadi and ASHA Workers with Special Reference to Maharashtra. In: George, I., Kuruvilla, M. (eds) Gendered Experiences of COVID-19 in India. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85335-8_4
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