India, May 22 -- Anganwadi workers (AWWs) and helpers (AWHs) form the human core of the system. A typical worker handles multiple responsibilities: growth monitoring and weighing of children, preparation or distribution of supplementary nutrition, running preschool sessions, conducting home visits for counselling on breastfeeding and nutrition, maintaining records, and coordinating with health services. The workload frequently extends beyond the notional six-hour shift. Central honorarium stands at Rs.4,500 per month for regular AWWs and Rs.2,250 for AWHs (with slightly lower amounts for mini centres), supplemented variably by state contributions. Total monthly compensation often ranges between Rs.6,000 and Rs.15,000 depending on the stat...