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Introduction

The devaluation of childcare workers in India underscores a critical policy failure to recognize the ‘Care Economy’. Despite their pivotal role in early childhood development and societal well-being, Anganwadi workers remain underpaid, undervalued, and marginalized, reflecting systemic neglect of care as essential economic and social infrastructure.

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Systemic Challenges Contributing to Underpayment and Marginalization of Anganwadi Workers (AWs)

• Impact of Climate Change & Disasters: Extreme weather events reduce access to care, nutrition, and health services for poor families increasing the demand and burden on Anganwadi workers.
• Urbanization & Migration Pressures: Migration to cities pushes women into work, while limited urban Anganwadi centres create childcare gaps.
  Eg: Only 10% of urban Anganwadi centres are currently functional, leaving children of migrant workers underserved.
• Low Wages & Professional Devaluation: AWs earn ₹8,000–15,000/month, comparable to unskilled labour, reflecting the perception of early childcare as non-professional.
• Gendered Nature of Care Work: Predominantly performed by women, unpaid and undervalued; women spend 426 minutes/day on care vs 163 minutes by men.
• Limited Training & Infrastructure: Rapid expansion of ICDS prioritized coverage over quality and minimal pre- and in-service training reduces professional competence.
  Eg: Only 2,500 of 10,000 creches under the Palna Scheme are currently operational.
  

Policy Measures & Investments Needed to Match Global Standards

• Decent Wages & Working Conditions: Align AW salaries with professional standards; ensure paid leave, social security, and career paths.
  Eg: Scandinavian countries provide universal childcare with well-compensated professionals.
• Strengthening Care Infrastructure: Expand creches and upgrade facilities for children under 3 years, while improving nutrition and sanitation.
• Skill Development & Training: Enhance pre-service and in-service training in early childhood development and nutrition.
  Eg: Practice-based learning models to improve developmental outcomes.
• Equitable Urban Coverage: Prioritize urban childcare centres for migrant and working women to reduce care gaps.
• Policy Recognition & Empowerment: Institutionalize recognition of AWs as skilled professionals; include them in policy design and decision-making.
  Eg: India Childcare Champion Awards highlighting the multiple roles AWs play in advocacy and child development.

Challenges in Matching Global Standards in Universalizing Quality Childcare

• Low Public Investment: India’s public spending on childcare is ~0.4% of GDP, far below Scandinavian standards of 1–1.5% of GDP.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Many centres lack facilities for children under 3 years, nutrition, sanitation, and safe play spaces.
• Shortage of Trained Childcare Professionals: Pre- and in-service training is limited; workers often lack practice-based learning and professional development opportunities.
• Urban Care Deficit: Urban childcare centres are insufficient to meet the needs of working women, especially in migrant populations.
• Social and Gender Barriers: Care work remains undervalued and feminized; societal perception hinders professional recognition and collective empowerment of workers.

Conclusion

Addressing these gaps requires robust policies, increased investment, skill-building, and strengthened care infrastructure to professionalize Anganwadi workers. Universalizing quality childcare, aligned with global standards, not only ensures equitable child development but also empowers women, advances social justice, and reinforces the nation’s socio-economic resilience.

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