Executive Brief
India's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) runs 14 lakh anganwadi centres serving 10 crore beneficiaries, but frontline workers face wage delays, infrastructure gaps, and mounting workloads.
Key Takeaways
India's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) runs 14 lakh anganwadi centres serving 10 crore beneficiaries, but frontline workers face wage delays, infrastructure gaps, and mounting workloads.
- India operates 14 lakh anganwadi centres serving 10 crore beneficiaries
- Anganwadi workers receive honorarium of ₹10,000/month, below minimum wage in most states
- 40% of anganwadi centres lack functional toilets and drinking water
- ICDS budget grew 25% in 5 years but remains under 0.3% of GDP
Evidence
Anganwadi workers earn wages comparable to MGNREGA workers.[1]
Strong86%Supporting Evidence
- While MGNREGA wages average ₹267/day for 100 days, anganwadi workers receive a fixed monthly honorarium of ₹10,000 — roughly ₹333/day but with no guaranteed days, pensions, or benefits.
Citations
Report1
India has reduced stunting among children under 5 from 48% to 35% since 2006.[1]
Verified88%Supporting Evidence
- NFHS-5 (2019-21) data shows stunting declined from 48% (NFHS-3, 2005-06) to 35.5%, though progress has slowed in the last 5 years.
Citations
Report1
Key Numbers
14 lakhTotal Anganwadi CentresMWCD Dashboard
10 croreBeneficiaries CoveredICDS Annual Report
₹10,000/monthAnganwadi Worker HonorariumMWCD
40%Centres Without ToiletsCAG Audit 2024
₹21,200 croreICDS Budget (2025-26)Union Budget
Timeline
ICDS Budget Allocation Over Time (₹ Crore)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Evidence & Confidence Summary
84
Confidence Score
Strong Evidence
1/2 claims verified
1 Verified1 Unverifiable