ASHA and Anganwadi Workers: Structural Exploitation and the State’s Retreat

Reference Article: Editorial | The Hindu – Right to dignity: On ASHA and anganwadi workers’ protests
UPSC Relevance:
GS Paper II – Social Justice (Welfare Schemes, Labour Rights, Federalism)
GS Paper III – Indian Economy (Labour Reforms, Informal Sector, Social Security)

The protests by ASHA and anganwadi workers in West Bengal demanding a monthly wage of ₹15,000 underline the long-standing denial of permanent worker status to personnel who are central to India’s public health and nutrition systems. Since the inception of the ICDS, these workers have been deliberately classified as “volunteers” or “scheme workers” to keep them outside labour law protections.

Historical and Legal Context

  • Anganwadi workers were denied formal worker status at the launch of ICDS
  • The Karnataka vs Ameerbi (1996) ruling excluded them from being treated as government employees
  • ASHA workers, introduced in the mid-2000s, were labelled “activists”, continuing the pattern of informality
  • Recommendations of the 45th Indian Labour Conference for regularisation, minimum wages and pensions were ignored by successive governments
  • ICDS budget cuts in 2015 and freezing of Central contributions in 2018 worsened precarity

Federal and Fiscal Dimensions

  • Stagnant Central honoraria forced States to top up wages from their own budgets
  • Wealthier States offer better pay and benefits, leading to sharp inter-State disparities
  • Poorer States struggle to compensate, deepening regional inequality among workers performing identical functions
  • Electoral pressure has shifted bargaining to the State level, despite Central control over scheme design

Broader Policy Implications

  • Denial of worker status reflects a broader retreat from the social contract in favour of fiscal consolidation and business-friendly metrics
  • New labour codes also fail to guarantee decent working conditions for gig and scheme workers
  • Essential frontline labour is being systematically excluded from statutory wage, pension and social security protections

Way Forward

  • Legally reclassify ASHA and anganwadi workers as statutory employees under the Code on Social Security
  • Guarantee minimum wages, pension and gratuity benefits
  • Establish Centre–State fiscal mechanisms to ensure uniform pay and conditions across regions
  • Recognise these workers as core public service providers rather than expendable volunteers

Sample UPSC Mains Question

ASHA and anganwadi workers form the backbone of India’s health and nutrition delivery system, yet remain outside formal labour protections. Examine the historical, legal and fiscal reasons for this exclusion and suggest reforms to restore dignity and security to their work.