Kerala Sanctions Rs. 20 Crore for Pensions and Benefits of Former Anganwadi Workers

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Finance Minister K. N Balagopal announced that the state has sanctioned Rs. 20 crore for the disbursal of pensions and other retirement benefits to former Anganwadi workers and helpers. 

The financial assistance has been allocated to the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Welfare Fund Board, which is responsible for administering various welfare schemes for these employees.

The funds will be used to provide retirement pensions, retirement benefits, and death benefits to eligible beneficiaries. The Board had sought government assistance citing its limited financial resources and growing obligations toward retired members.

Despite receiving a monthly welfare fund contribution of Rs. 2.15 crore, the Board requires Rs. 4.26 crore per month solely for pension disbursement. This financial gap has made it dependent on government grants to meet its welfare commitments.

Over the past four and a half years, the Kerala government has extended Rs. 76 crore in assistance to the Board to ensure timely disbursement of pensions and other benefits.

Anganwadi workers and helpers form the backbone of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), which provides nutrition, early education, and health services to children and mothers. The government’s latest allocation aims to ensure that the retired workforce, who have served in grassroots childcare and nutrition programs for decades, continue to receive their due financial support.