Care Economy Reform: Recognising ASHA and Anganwadi Workers in India

The Union Budget 2026-27 proposes to build a ‘strong care ecosystem’ by training 1.5 lakh multiskilled caregivers in geriatric, core care and allied skills through programmes aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). 

Background

• ASHA and Anganwadi Workers: ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers were introduced in 2005 under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), while Anganwadi workers operate under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), launched in 1975.
  • Together they form the backbone of India’s rural health, nutrition and maternal-child welfare system.
• COVID-19 Contributions: During the pandemic, these frontline workers ensured the last-mile delivery of vaccines, medicines, and awareness campaigns in villages, even when most systems were disrupted.

The Core Problem: “Honorarium” vs. Fair Wages

• Volunteer Status: The government categorises ASHA and Anganwadi workers as volunteers or community workers rather than formal employees, limiting their institutional recognition.
• Financial Insecurity: Instead of regular salaries, they receive a small honorarium, which does not reflect their workload and responsibilities.
• Lack of Benefits: Their informal status results in the absence of job security, formal contracts, and social protection, leading to frequent protests demanding recognition and dignity.

Proposed Solutions

• NSQF Alignment: The National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) can be used to formally recognise and grade the practical skills of ASHA and Anganwadi workers.
  • Example: Workers performing medical or community health tasks (e.g., administering basic care or vaccinations) can undergo assessment and receive certification of their skills.
  • Path to Better Pay: Formal skill recognition would enable their classification as skilled workers, strengthening the case for better remuneration and career progression.
• ILO’s 5R Framework: The International Labour Organisation (ILO) suggests a 5R Framework to address care work: Recognise, Reduce, Redistribute, Reward, and Represent.
  • Reward: For ASHA and Anganwadi workers, there is a need to move beyond the “volunteer” label to ensure fair wages and adequate compensation for the intensity and social value of their care work.
  • Represent: The workers should be provided with a voice in policymaking and programme design, ensuring that ground realities inform policy decisions.

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Conclusion

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to life with dignity to every individual. 

• Therefore, ensuring fair recognition, adequate wages, and social security for ASHA and Anganwadi workers becomes a constitutional imperative rather than merely a welfare measure.

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