In an effort to reduce child malnutrition and improve the quality of pre-school education, the Maharashtra Government will implement a quality assessment system for Anganwadi centers under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. Based on performance metrics, selected centers will be eligible for incentive grants, announced Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare.
A review meeting was recently held at the state secretariat to revise the criteria for incentive grants to Anganwadi workers and to discuss the distribution of the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Awards.
Gratuity for Anganwadi Workers
In a significant move, Minister Tatkare directed officials to submit a proposal to provide gratuity to Anganwadi workers and helpers upon retirement or in the event of death, ensuring financial security for their families.
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Minister Tatkare explained that incentive grants will be awarded based on the number of performance criteria met by each Anganwadi center. Centers that meet:
10 out of 10 criteria will receive ₹2,000
9 criteria – ₹1,800
7 criteria – ₹1,400
6 criteria – ₹1,600
Evaluation Criteria Include:
Delivery of take-home rations
Growth monitoring efficiency
Quality of pre-school education for children aged 3 to 6
Provision of hot, freshly cooked meals
Observance of Nutrition and Health Days
Effective nutrition rehabilitation
Lower-than-average rates of obesity and stunting among children compared to project-level data
Minister Tatkare also announced that district-level awards under the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Award initiative will be distributed on the occasion of her 300th birth anniversary.
