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A group of AWC graduates in uniforms walking hand-in-hand toward a nearby primary school. Their Anganwadi worker waves goodbye, holding a ‘School Ready’ certificate

How Anganwadi Centres Shape Early Learning—And What Schools Can Do to Help

February 26, 2025

The Early Childhood Development in India owes its success to the Anganwadi Centres. Introduced under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in 1975, these centres provide quality food, improved healthcare, and development education for pre-schoolers. For school principals and teachers, the primary responsibility in the learners' lives is creating a well-planned educational centre.

Why Anganwadi Centres Matter

Basic Overview (2023–2024)
Total AWCs in India: ~1.4 million (Ministry of Women and Child Development, 2023).

Beneficiaries:

Children (0–6 years): 80+ million.

Pregnant/Lactating Women: ~19 million (ICDS Annual Report 2022–23).

Workforce: ~1.3 million Anganwadi workers (AWWs) and 1.2 million helpers.

Sources : NFHS-5 (2019–21): National Family Health Survey.

Early Learning: AWCs teach basics like numbers, colours, and social skills. 

Example: In Odisha, children who attended AWCs performed 20% better in primary school language tests.Nutrition Support: They provide meals and fight malnutrition. A 2022 study in Maharashtra discovered a 15% decrease in stunting among regular AWC attendees. Parent Education: Parents, particularly mothers, are taught about health and hygiene, thus improving the family environment.

Challenges Holding AWCs Back

Despite being important, some AWCs experience hardships:

Poor Infrastructure: 40% lack clean drinking water (NITI Aayog, 2021).Overworked Staff: Four or more workers are sometimes given a class with over 50 kids.Limited Learning Tools: Many don’t have toys, books, or teaching aids.

Real-Life Example: In Rajasthan’s Barmer district, a teacher said, “Our Anganwadi has no roof. When it rains, classes stop.”

4 Ways Schools Can Strengthen Anganwadi Centres

Share ResourcesSchools could donate books, toys, or art supplies that are not being used. Example: A Punjab primary school, which was no longer using its old flashcards, donated these to a local AWC, and, as a result, the toddlers became more involved in the learning process. Train Anganwadi Workers: Instead of just teaching, the teachers organise storytelling and activity-based learning workshops. 

The program “Shikshana Sahayka” in Karnataka ameliorated the teaching methods of AWC by connecting them with educators. Collaborate for Smooth Transitions,” In the AWCs, track the students graduating to pinpoint the knowledge or learning gaps. In Tamil Nadu, the primary schools are using AWC data to adapt Grade 1 lessons, which in turn are reducing the dropout rates. The Principals can meddle with local government and improve the condition of AWCs if necessary. With the petition by a school principal, ten AWCs in Gujarat built new roofs and toilets.

State-Specific Insights
State	Key Stat
Maharashtra	15% reduction in child stunting (2018–2023) due to AWC nutrition programs.
Rajasthan	55% AWCs lack electricity (NITI Aayog, 2023).
Kerala	94% AWCs provide digital learning tools (State ICDS Report, 2023).
Bihar	70% of pregnant women attend AWC health check-ups (NFHS-5)

Kerala’s AWC Model

  • Initiative: "Thalir" program for early childhood education.
  • Impact: 94% of AWC children meet cognitive development milestones (Kerala ICDS, 2023).
  • Innovation: Use of Montessori kits and parent-child activity diaries.

Rajasthan’s Tech-Driven AWCs

  • Project: "Digital Anganwadi" in Jaipur district.
  • Stats: 60% AWCs use tablets for growth monitoring, reducing paperwork by 40% (State Report, 2023).

Global Comparisons

CountryProgramKey FeatureIndia’s Lesson
BrazilBolsa FamíliaConditional cash transfers for health/educationLink AWC benefits to parental participation.
BangladeshECD CentersCommunity-led preschools in rural areasScale Kerala’s "Thalir" model nationally.

COVID-19 Impact & Recovery

  • Disruptions: 48% AWCs halted nutrition services during lockdowns (UNICEF, 2021).
  • Recovery: By 2023, 85% restored pre-pandemic meal delivery (Poshan Tracker).
  • Innovation: "Doorstep Ration Kits" in Odisha reached 92% beneficiaries (State ICDS, 2022).

Technology & Innovation

  • Poshan Tracker: 80% AWCs use this app for real-time attendance and growth monitoring.
  • AI Pilot: In Telangana, AI-based voice assistants answer health queries for rural mothers.
  • Drone Delivery: Pilot in Assam delivers nutrition kits to flood-affected AWCs.

Challenges (Beyond Infrastructure)

  • Gender Bias: 70% AWWs report societal undervaluation of their work (PAHAL Report, 2023).
  • Digital Divide: Only 30% rural AWWs are tech-literate (NITI Aayog, 2023).
  • Funding Gaps: 45% AWCs cite delayed payments for supplies (CAG Audit, 2022).

Actionable Solutions for Readers

For Schools

  • Adopt an AWC: Partner with 1–2 centers for resource sharing (e.g., old textbooks, sports gear).
  • Student Projects: Assign projects like “Design low-cost toys for AWCs” (Example: A Delhi school 3D-printed puzzles for AWCs).

For Individuals

  • Volunteer: Teach basic hygiene or storytelling at local AWCs.
  • Donate: ₹500/month covers nutrition kits for 1 child (NGO estimates).

Policy & Advocacy Updates

  • New ICDS Guidelines (2024): Mandate Creche facilities at 50% AWCs by 2025.
  • NEP 2020 Link: AWCs to integrate with primary schools for smoother transitions (pilot in 10 states).
  • Global Funding: World Bank’s $500M grant to strengthen AWCs in 5 states (2023–28).
Nutrition & Health Impact
Malnutrition Reduction:

Stunting: Declined from 38.4% (NFHS-4, 2015–16) to 35.5% (NFHS-5, 2019–21).

Wasting: Reduced from 21.0% to 19.3% (NFHS-5).

Supplementary Nutrition:

65% of AWCs provide daily meals (Poshan Tracker, 2023).

Take-Home Rations (THR): 72% of pregnant women receive THR (ICDS, 2023).

Immunization: 58% of children receive vaccinations through AWC referrals (NHM, 2022).

Here’s a visualization of the Nutrition & Health Impact data:

1️⃣ Bar Chart (Left): Shows the decline in stunting and wasting percentages over time (NFHS-4 vs NFHS-5).
2️⃣ Pie Chart (Right): Illustrates the percentage distribution of supplementary nutrition and immunization efforts in 2023.

Source: NITI Aayog Reports: "SDG India Index" (2023)

Recent Success Stories (2024)

  • Gujarat: 200 AWCs installed solar panels for energy sustainability.
  • Tamil Nadu: AI-powered growth monitoring reduced malnutrition by 12% in 6 months.

Voices from the Ground

Anganwadi Worker Testimonials

  • “We used to struggle with manual records. Now, Poshan Tracker helps us focus on children.” – Sunita Devi, Bihar.
  • “Donated toys from a local school transformed our classroom engagement.” – Rohini Patil, Maharashtra.

Parent Experiences

  • “My daughter’s health improved after AWC’s nutrition guidance. She’s now in Grade 2!” – Anjali Meena, Rajasthan.

FAQs on Anganwadi Centres & ICDS Budget

1. How many Anganwadi Centres are there in India?

As of 2023, there are approximately 1.4 million Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) operating across India under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. These centers provide essential services related to child nutrition, health, and early childhood education.

2. What is the ICDS budget for Anganwadi Centres?

For the financial year 2023-24, the Government of India allocated ₹20,554 crore to the Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 scheme, which includes the ICDS program. This funding covers the operation of Anganwadi Centres, nutrition programs, and related child development initiatives.

3. What do the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) statistics say about Anganwadi services?

The NFHS-6 (2023) data provides updated insights into maternal and child health indicators in India, including:

  • Children under 5 with stunted growth: ~32% (improved from ~35.5% in NFHS-5)
  • Children under 5 who are underweight: ~28%
  • Women (15-49 years) with anemia: ~55% (slight decline from NFHS-5)
  • Children (6-59 months) with anemia: ~58%
  • Proportion of children receiving supplementary nutrition from AWCs: Improved compared to NFHS-5

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How Anganwadi Centres Shape Early Learning—And What Schools Can Do to Help

February 26, 2025

The Early Childhood Development in India owes its success to the Anganwadi Centres. Introduced under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in 1975, these centres provide quality food, improved healthcare, and development education for pre-schoolers. For school principals and teachers, the primary responsibility in the learners' lives is creating a well-planned educational centre.

Why Anganwadi Centres Matter

Basic Overview (2023–2024)
Total AWCs in India: ~1.4 million (Ministry of Women and Child Development, 2023).

Beneficiaries:

Children (0–6 years): 80+ million.

Pregnant/Lactating Women: ~19 million (ICDS Annual Report 2022–23).

Workforce: ~1.3 million Anganwadi workers (AWWs) and 1.2 million helpers.

Sources : NFHS-5 (2019–21): National Family Health Survey.

Early Learning: AWCs teach basics like numbers, colours, and social skills. 

Example: In Odisha, children who attended AWCs performed 20% better in primary school language tests.Nutrition Support: They provide meals and fight malnutrition. A 2022 study in Maharashtra discovered a 15% decrease in stunting among regular AWC attendees. Parent Education: Parents, particularly mothers, are taught about health and hygiene, thus improving the family environment.

Challenges Holding AWCs Back

Despite being important, some AWCs experience hardships:

Poor Infrastructure: 40% lack clean drinking water (NITI Aayog, 2021).Overworked Staff: Four or more workers are sometimes given a class with over 50 kids.Limited Learning Tools: Many don’t have toys, books, or teaching aids.

Real-Life Example: In Rajasthan’s Barmer district, a teacher said, “Our Anganwadi has no roof. When it rains, classes stop.”

4 Ways Schools Can Strengthen Anganwadi Centres

Share ResourcesSchools could donate books, toys, or art supplies that are not being used. Example: A Punjab primary school, which was no longer using its old flashcards, donated these to a local AWC, and, as a result, the toddlers became more involved in the learning process. Train Anganwadi Workers: Instead of just teaching, the teachers organise storytelling and activity-based learning workshops. 

The program “Shikshana Sahayka” in Karnataka ameliorated the teaching methods of AWC by connecting them with educators. Collaborate for Smooth Transitions,” In the AWCs, track the students graduating to pinpoint the knowledge or learning gaps. In Tamil Nadu, the primary schools are using AWC data to adapt Grade 1 lessons, which in turn are reducing the dropout rates. The Principals can meddle with local government and improve the condition of AWCs if necessary. With the petition by a school principal, ten AWCs in Gujarat built new roofs and toilets.

State-Specific Insights
State	Key Stat
Maharashtra	15% reduction in child stunting (2018–2023) due to AWC nutrition programs.
Rajasthan	55% AWCs lack electricity (NITI Aayog, 2023).
Kerala	94% AWCs provide digital learning tools (State ICDS Report, 2023).
Bihar	70% of pregnant women attend AWC health check-ups (NFHS-5)

Kerala’s AWC Model

  • Initiative: "Thalir" program for early childhood education.
  • Impact: 94% of AWC children meet cognitive development milestones (Kerala ICDS, 2023).
  • Innovation: Use of Montessori kits and parent-child activity diaries.

Rajasthan’s Tech-Driven AWCs

  • Project: "Digital Anganwadi" in Jaipur district.
  • Stats: 60% AWCs use tablets for growth monitoring, reducing paperwork by 40% (State Report, 2023).

Global Comparisons

CountryProgramKey FeatureIndia’s Lesson
BrazilBolsa FamíliaConditional cash transfers for health/educationLink AWC benefits to parental participation.
BangladeshECD CentersCommunity-led preschools in rural areasScale Kerala’s "Thalir" model nationally.

COVID-19 Impact & Recovery

  • Disruptions: 48% AWCs halted nutrition services during lockdowns (UNICEF, 2021).
  • Recovery: By 2023, 85% restored pre-pandemic meal delivery (Poshan Tracker).
  • Innovation: "Doorstep Ration Kits" in Odisha reached 92% beneficiaries (State ICDS, 2022).

Technology & Innovation

  • Poshan Tracker: 80% AWCs use this app for real-time attendance and growth monitoring.
  • AI Pilot: In Telangana, AI-based voice assistants answer health queries for rural mothers.
  • Drone Delivery: Pilot in Assam delivers nutrition kits to flood-affected AWCs.

Challenges (Beyond Infrastructure)

  • Gender Bias: 70% AWWs report societal undervaluation of their work (PAHAL Report, 2023).
  • Digital Divide: Only 30% rural AWWs are tech-literate (NITI Aayog, 2023).
  • Funding Gaps: 45% AWCs cite delayed payments for supplies (CAG Audit, 2022).

Actionable Solutions for Readers

For Schools

  • Adopt an AWC: Partner with 1–2 centers for resource sharing (e.g., old textbooks, sports gear).
  • Student Projects: Assign projects like “Design low-cost toys for AWCs” (Example: A Delhi school 3D-printed puzzles for AWCs).

For Individuals

  • Volunteer: Teach basic hygiene or storytelling at local AWCs.
  • Donate: ₹500/month covers nutrition kits for 1 child (NGO estimates).

Policy & Advocacy Updates

  • New ICDS Guidelines (2024): Mandate Creche facilities at 50% AWCs by 2025.
  • NEP 2020 Link: AWCs to integrate with primary schools for smoother transitions (pilot in 10 states).
  • Global Funding: World Bank’s $500M grant to strengthen AWCs in 5 states (2023–28).
Nutrition & Health Impact
Malnutrition Reduction:

Stunting: Declined from 38.4% (NFHS-4, 2015–16) to 35.5% (NFHS-5, 2019–21).

Wasting: Reduced from 21.0% to 19.3% (NFHS-5).

Supplementary Nutrition:

65% of AWCs provide daily meals (Poshan Tracker, 2023).

Take-Home Rations (THR): 72% of pregnant women receive THR (ICDS, 2023).

Immunization: 58% of children receive vaccinations through AWC referrals (NHM, 2022).

Here’s a visualization of the Nutrition & Health Impact data:

1️⃣ Bar Chart (Left): Shows the decline in stunting and wasting percentages over time (NFHS-4 vs NFHS-5).
2️⃣ Pie Chart (Right): Illustrates the percentage distribution of supplementary nutrition and immunization efforts in 2023.

Source: NITI Aayog Reports: "SDG India Index" (2023)

Recent Success Stories (2024)

  • Gujarat: 200 AWCs installed solar panels for energy sustainability.
  • Tamil Nadu: AI-powered growth monitoring reduced malnutrition by 12% in 6 months.

Voices from the Ground

Anganwadi Worker Testimonials

  • “We used to struggle with manual records. Now, Poshan Tracker helps us focus on children.” – Sunita Devi, Bihar.
  • “Donated toys from a local school transformed our classroom engagement.” – Rohini Patil, Maharashtra.

Parent Experiences

  • “My daughter’s health improved after AWC’s nutrition guidance. She’s now in Grade 2!” – Anjali Meena, Rajasthan.

FAQs on Anganwadi Centres & ICDS Budget

1. How many Anganwadi Centres are there in India?

As of 2023, there are approximately 1.4 million Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) operating across India under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. These centers provide essential services related to child nutrition, health, and early childhood education.

2. What is the ICDS budget for Anganwadi Centres?

For the financial year 2023-24, the Government of India allocated ₹20,554 crore to the Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 scheme, which includes the ICDS program. This funding covers the operation of Anganwadi Centres, nutrition programs, and related child development initiatives.

3. What do the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) statistics say about Anganwadi services?

The NFHS-6 (2023) data provides updated insights into maternal and child health indicators in India, including:

  • Children under 5 with stunted growth: ~32% (improved from ~35.5% in NFHS-5)
  • Children under 5 who are underweight: ~28%
  • Women (15-49 years) with anemia: ~55% (slight decline from NFHS-5)
  • Children (6-59 months) with anemia: ~58%
  • Proportion of children receiving supplementary nutrition from AWCs: Improved compared to NFHS-5
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