Anganwadi Workers Urge Safeguards for ICDS Scheme

### Fast Summary
– Leaders of the All India Federation of anganwadi Workers and Helpers (AIFAWH) called for a national-level protest to protect the Integrated Child Progress Services (ICDS) scheme.
– A.R. Sindhu,AIFAWH national general secretary,addressed the 11th State Mahasabha of Andhra Pradesh Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union (AWW&HU),held in Ongole on Saturday.
– She acknowledged progress made by anganwadi workers thru a three-year movement, including achieving multiple government orders after their 42-day protest against ESMA.
– Sindhu alleged that anganwadi workers in many states, including Andhra Pradesh, face low salaries and neglect due to current economic policies at both central and state levels.

AIFAWH national general secretary R. Sindhu addressing the 11th State conference of A.P. Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union.

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### indian Opinion Analysis
The call for a nationwide protest by anganwadi unions highlights ongoing grievances around worker compensation and systemic neglect concerning schemes like ICDS aimed at child welfare across India’s states. The acknowledgment of achievements from organized movements like those led by Andhra Pradesh’s union demonstrates how collective action can drive policy change even within restrictive frameworks such as ESMA legislation.

However, persistent issues regarding wages suggest deeper structural governance challenges surrounding social welfare programs funded jointly by central and state governments-raising questions about equitable worker treatment versus fiscal constraints under current economic policies at all levels.

Read more: [Published – September 20, 2025](#)