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CHAPTER -5

ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION

ANGANWADI WORKERS

INTRODUCTION

This Chapter presents, analyzes and interprets the data collected from a

sample of 60 Anganwadi Workers in Kolhapur District - the study area.

This chapter is divided into 5 sections.

Section I deals with Personal Information, Section II relates to Family

Information, Workplace Information is explained in Section III,

Information about Mother and Child Welfare Services Delivered through

the Anganwadis is given in Section IV and information about their

Personal, Social and Workplace-related Problems is given in

Section V.

In the following pages, this information is being presented in simple

Tables. Wherever appropriate and necessary, further sub-Tables have

been incorporated in the main Tables to maintain a smooth flow of

analysis.

182

SECTION – I

PERSONAL INFORMATION OF ANGANWADI WORKERS

The following 7 Tables (5.1 to 5.7) present the personal information of

the respondent Anganwadi workers.

TABLE 5.1

CLASSIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING

TO AGE GROUPS

Sr.No. Age groups Frequency Percentage

1 18-25 years 5 8.33

2 26-35 years 20 33.33

3 36-45 years 20 33.33

4 Above 46 years 15 25.00

Total 60 100.0

Age is an important factor to be considered in determining the efficiency

of the population in the study the age has been classified into different

groups in 18-25, 26-35, 36-45 as middle age and above 45 as old age.

Table No. 5.1 shows that the two largest groups of 20 (33.33%) each

respondents belong to the age groups of 26-35 years and 36-45 years,

followed by only 15 (25%) respondents belonging to the age group of

above 46 years. Only 5 (8.33%) respondents constitute in the age group

of 18-25 years.

It is thus evident that majority of the respondents are concentrated in the

early and late adulthood stage. Hence these Anganwadi workers are

young and in the most productive age groups. It is apparent that the

respondents are hale and healthy and perform their work.

183

TABLE 5.2

MARITAL STATUS OF THE RESPONDENTS

Sr. No. Marital Status Frequency Percentage

1 Single 4 6.67

2 Married 49 81.67

3 Separated - -

4 Divorcee 2 3.33

5 Widowed 5 8.33

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.2 shows the respondents according to their marital

status and shows that a great majority, 49 (81.67%) are married, when 5

(8.33%) respondents are widowed, 4 (6.67%) respondents are single and

2 (3.33%) respondents are divorcees. There are no separated cases in the

sample.

It may thus be inferred that about four-fifths of the respondents are

married women showing a stable normal life. Little more than 10% are

divorcees and widowed. In Indian culture marriage is a life bond and the

respondents seem to be leading a health married life in spite of their

employment. Traditionally women are confined to their houses and are

expected to fulfill the family needs. It is obvious that employment of

women is accepted in the family and in no way it has distracted the

family and marital relations.

184

TABLE 5.3

CLASSIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING TO

EDUCATIONAL LEVELS

Sr. No. Educational Levels Frequency Percentage

1 10th Standard Passed

3 5.00

2 12th Standard Passed

27 45.00

3 Upto Degree 20 33.33

4 Graduate 4 6.67

5 Craft Training Course

6 10.00

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.3 discloses the educational status of the respondents

and shows that the 45% respondents are 12th standard passed, followed by

20 (33.33%) respondents who have degree, 6 (10%) respondents have

completed craft training course, 4 (6.67%) are graduates, while only 3

(5%) respondents are 10th standard passed.

The data depicts that respondents’ qualification ranges from 10th to

graduate. Most of them are educated and qualified.

185

TABLE 5.4


RELIGIONS

Sr. No. Religions Frequency Percentage

1 Hindu 55 91.67

2 Jain 3 5.00

3 Muslim 1 1.66

4 Neo-Buddhist 1 1.67

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.4 discloses the respondents according to their religions

and shows that a majority 55 (91.67) respondents are Hindus, followed by

3 (5%) respondents Jains, and 1 (1.67%) each respondents Muslim,

Lingayat and Neo-Buddhist, respectively.

It be interpreted that large majority of Anganwadi workers belong to the

Hindu community. Since Hindus are the dominant community, it is

obvious that majority are Hindus. However, presence of all religions

except Christians is observed in the data.

186

TABLE 5.5

CLASSIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS

ACCORDING TO CASTES

Sr. No. Castes Frequency Percentage

1 Upper Castes 40 66.67

2 Scheduled Castes

13 21.67

3 Nomadic Tribes

7 11.66

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.5 discloses caste distribution and shows that 40

(66.67%) respondents belong to the advanced castes amongst Hindus, 13

(21.67%) respondents belong to the Scheduled Castes, while 7 (11.66%)

respondents belong to Nomadic Castes. There are no respondents

belonging to Scheduled or Denotified Tribes.

It may thus be inferred that the advanced castes from amongst Hindus

dominate the Anganwadi workers’ employment scenario in the study

area, while other communities also have made their presence felt.

187

TABLE 5.6


TO MOTHER TONGUE

Sr. No. Mother tongue Frequency Percentage

1 Marathi 58 96.66

2 Kannada 1 1.67

3 Urdu 1 1.67

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.6 classifies the respondents according to their mother

tongues and shows that an overwhelming majority of 58 (96.66%)

respondents have Marathi as their mother tongue, while 1 (1.67%) each

respondent have Kannada and Urdu, respectively, as their mother

tongues.

Since these Anganwadi workers hail from the Marathi-speaking rural

areas of Kolhapur district, hence it is natural that Marathi is the dominant

language spoken among respondents and other groups constitute together

only a meager 3.34 percentage. Hence it is apparent that local people

dominate in Anganwadis. Since local language is a must to cater the

people other language speaking respondents perhaps are considered for

the job.

188

TABLE 5.7


ANGANWADI WORK EXPERIENCE

Sr. No. Work Experience Frequency Percentage

1 Upto 5 years 7 11.67

2 6 to 10 years 27 45.00

3 11 to 15 years 14 23.33


Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.7 classifies the respondents according to their

Anganwadi work experience and shows that the largest group of 27

(45%) respondents have 6-10 years experience, followed by 14 (23.33%)

respondents have work experience between 11-15 years, 12 (20%)

respondents have work experience of more than 16 years, while only 7

(11.67%) respondents have experience only for 5 years.

It may thus be inferred that a majority of the Anganwadi workers have

reasonably a long experience of Anganwadi work and at least one-fifth of

them are real veterans.

Personal Profile of Anganwadi Workers

From these seven Tables, it may be inferred that the representative

Anganwadi worker in the study area belongs to 25-45 year group, Hindu,

Marathi-speaking married women with attendant family responsibilities.

She has reasonably a long experience of Anganwadi work. With these

attributes, it is clear that she has woven her family and social life around

her worklife as an Anganwadi worker.

189

SECTION – II

FAMILY INFORMATION

FAMILY INFORMATION OF ANGANWADI WORKERS

The following 9 Tables (5.8 to 5.16) present the family information of the

respondents.

TABLE 5.8

CLASSIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING TO FAMILY TYPE

Sr. No. Family Type Frequency Percentage

1 Nuclear 29 48.33

2 Joint 31 51.67

Total 60 100.0

Family is a primary unit in all societies. It provides the environment in

which the young grow up, it is o vital concern for all who teach or in any

way seek to inculcate standards of opinion and behaviour. Measurements

of families have charted fundamental changes in family life, the structure

and breakdown of the family. Family information gives a clear picture

about the present status of the family.

The present section covers information regarding type of family, family

size, occupation of the head of the family, number of earning members,

elderly dependents, minor school-going children, monthly family income

and treatment received by respondents in the family.

The above Table 5.8 shows the distribution of respondents according to

their family type and shows that 29 (48.33%) respondents belong to

nuclear-type family, while more than one half of the respondents belong

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to joint family. Nearly an equal share of nuclear type families in the

sample in this typical rural agrarian area is rather deceptive, because with

the partition of ancestral family lands, many families have separated their

kitchens but continue to live under the same roof and still retain the

family bonds. Women usually enter into employment for economic

freedom to supplement family income. This is more evident usually in

nuclear families where the income is generated to supplement the family

income. Perhaps this is true for the data.

Nevertheless, it may be observed that the urban feature of a nuclear

family is making significant inroads in the rural areas.

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TABLE 5.9


TO FAMILY SIZE

Sr. No. Family Size Frequency Percentage

1 Upto 4 Members 29 48.34

2 5 to 7 Members 20 33.33

3 8 to 10 Members 11 18.33

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.9 classifies the respondents according to their family

size and shows that 29 (48.34%) respondents’ nuclear-type families (ref.

Table 5.8) have only upto 4 members, while out of the remaining 20

(33.33%) respondents’ families have 5-7 members and 11 (18.33%)

respondents’ families have 8-10 members.

Family size is an indicator of the capable income of the family when

there is large family there is a need for a helping hand in enhancing

income is important.

192

TABLE 5.10


FAMILY HEAD'S OCCUPATION

Sr. No. Occupation Frequency Percentage

1 Paid Service 27 45.00

2 Traditional Family Occupation

13 21.67

3 Self-employed (Petty trade)

7 11.67

4 Agriculture 5 8.33

5 Seasonal Farm Work

5 8.33

6 Daily Wage Labourer

3 5.00

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.10 classifies occupation of the head of the family and

shows that 27 (45%) respondents’ family head is in paid employment,

thereby ensuring regular family income; another 13 (21.67%)

respondents’ family head is engaged in traditional family occupations

(tailoring, laundry work, iron smithy, bamboo work, etc.), 7 (11.67%) is

self-employed (mostly petty shops), 5 (8.33%) whole-time engaged in

their own agricultural lands, while another 5 (8.33%) respondents’ family

head gets only seasonal farm work, and lastly, 3 (5%) is daily wage

labourer.

The data reveals that though relatively a high percentage of the head of

the families are in paid jobs, the employment status perhaps not highly

lucrative. Hence the respondents have entered into employment.

193

TABLE 5.11


NUMBER OF EARNING FAMILY MEMBERS

(Excepting the Respondent herself)

Sr. No. Earning Family Members Frequency Percentage

1 One 14 23.33

2 Two 35 58.33

3 Three 9 15.00

4 Four and more 2 3.33

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.11 elucidates the respondents according to the number

of earning members in the family (excepting the respondent herself) and

shows that 14 (23.33%) of them have only one earning member. When 35

(58.33%) of them have at least two other earning members 9 (15%)

respondents’ families have three earning members. Only 2 (3.33%)

respondents’ families have four and more earning members.

It is apparent from the data that more than 80% have one to two earning

members including the respondents, showing that the respondents are

compelled to seek employment.

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TABLE 5.12


ELDERLY DEPENDENTS

Sr. No. Number of Elderly Dependents

Frequency Percentage

1 None 35 58.33

2 One 17 28.33

3 Two 7 11.67

4 Three & more 1 1.67

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.12 shows the elderly dependents in the family and

shows that 35 (58.33%) respondents’ families have no elderly

dependents. On the other hand, 17 (28.22%) respondents’ families have at

least one elderly dependent, 7 (11.67%) respondents’ families have two

dependents and only, 1 (1.67%) respondent family has three and more

such dependents in the family.

195

TABLE 5.13


SCHOOL-GOING MINOR CHILDREN

Sr. No. Number of School-going Minor Children


1 None 26 43.33

2 One 4 6.67

3 Two 16 26.67

4 Three & more 14 23.33

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.13 depicts school-going minor children in the family

when 26 (43.33%) respondents’ families do not have school-going minor

children, 4 (6.67%) respondents’ families have one, 16 (26.67%)

respondents’ families have two, and 14 (23.33%) respondents families

have three or more school-going children.

Overall, it may thus be inferred that slightly more than one half of the

respondents’ families have school-going minor children, it indicates an

enhanced awareness of the formal education among the respondents’

families. Further for education it is necessary to have additional income

and perhaps the respondents work to enhance family income.

196

TABLE 5.14


MONTHLY FAMILY INCOME

Sr. No. Monthly Family Income Frequency Percentage

1 Upto Rs.2,500/- 6 10.00

2 Rs.2,501-3,500/- 2 3.33

3 Rs.3,501-5,000/- 15 25.00

4 Above Rs.5,000/-

37 61.67

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.14 reveals the monthly family income of the family. A

small 6 (10%) respondents have a monthly family income of Rs.2,500/-

while another 2 (3.33%) respondents’ monthly family income is between

Rs.2,501 and 3,500/-. while 15 (25%) respondents’ monthly family

income is between Rs.3,501 and 5,000/- and 37 (61.67%) respondents’

monthly family income is above Rs.5,000/-. Obviously, the monthly

family income of the joint families with multiple earning members is

comparatively higher.

It may thus be observed that overall, the sampled respondents’ families

are not particularly well-off financially and hence probably the

respondent has to work as an Anganwadi worker to supplement the

family income.

197

TABLE 5.15


TREATMENT RECEIVED IN THE FAMILY

Sr. No. Treatment received Frequency Percentage

1 Respectful 55 91.67

2 Cordial 5 8.33

3 Indifferent - -

4 Hateful - -

5 Cruel - -

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.15 discloses the respondents according to the

treatment received by them in the family and shows that an

overwhelming majority of 55 (91.67%) of the respondents receive

respectful treatment in the family, while the remaining 5 (8.33%)

respondents have cordial relation. None of the respondents are seen

receiving indifferent, hateful or cruel treatment in the family.

The data shows that the respectful and cordial treatment is being received

by the Anganwadi workers is probably the result of their being an earning

member in the family. Further it shows that their employment is accepted

by other family members and they have a status in the family and are able

to manage without any conflict.

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TABLE 5.16

CLASSIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING TO AN IN-

HOUSE CASE OF AN ALCOHOLIC

Sr. No. Response Frequency Percentage

1 Yes 5 8.33

2 No 55 91.67

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.16 displays in-house case of an alcoholic (as distinct

from an occasional tippler) and shows that an overwhelming majority of

55 (91.67%) respondents’ households, there is no alcoholic case, but

among 5 (8.33%) respondents’ households, there is at least one case of

hard alcoholics. A cross-check revealed that all these five households are

joint family-type and belong to the above Rs.5,000 income group.

It may thus be inferred that the majority of the Anganwadi workers’

households are free from the disgrace of alcoholism, which is rather

important from the viewpoint of the family income.

From these nine Tables, it may be inferred that the representative

Anganwadi worker in the study area lives either in a nuclear or joint-type

family, has upto 4 members in the nuclear family and upto 7 members in

the joint family, headed by a householder in paid service or other gainful

activities, she also has at least 2 other earning family members besides

herself, has between one to three school-going minor children, her family

has a monthly income between Rs.3,501 and above Rs.5,000/-, she

receives respectful treatment in the family and does not have an in-house

case of alcoholism.

199

SECTION – III

EMPLOYMENT ASPECTS OF ANGANWADI WORKERS

The following 12 Tables (5.17 to 5.26) present the workplace-related

information of the respondent Anganwadi workers.

TABLE 5.17


DISTANCE BETWEEN HOME AND ANGANWADI

Sr. No. Distance in kms. Frequency Percentage

1 Upto 2 kms. 53 88.33

2 2 to 5 kms. 4 6.67

3 5 to 7 kms. 3 5.00

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.17 shows the distance between home and the

Anganwadi and shows that 53 (88.33%) respondents have to travel a

distance of only upto 2 kms. for reaching the Anganwadi, another 4

(6.67%) respondents have to cover a distance between 2 and 5 kms.,

while the remaining 3 (5%) respondents have to travel between 5 to 7

kms. for the purpose.

It may thus be inferred that majority of the Anganwadi workers have to

cover only a distance of around 2 kms to reach their workplace, showing

that the workplace is within the vicinity of their residence. Long traveling

perhaps can affect the work

200

TABLE 5.18


MEANS USED FOR REACHING ANGANWADI

Sr. No. Mode of travelling Frequency Percentage

1 Walking 53 88.33

2 ST Bus 5 8.33

3 2-wheeler Moped 1 1.67

4. Bicycle 1 1.67

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.18 reveals the respondents according to the mode of

traveling to the workplace and shows that 53 (88.33%) a good majority of

the respondents reach their workplace by merely walking. When 5

(8.33%) respondents travel by State Transport (ST) bus, only 1 (1.67%)

each respondents use either a moped or a bicycle.

It may thus be inferred that walking is the most preferred option among

the Anganwadi workers for reaching the workplace as most of the

respondents have to cover only a distance of 2 kms.

201

TABLE 5.19

CLASSIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING TO TYPE

OF ANGANWADI BUILDING

Sr. No. Description Frequency Percentage

1 RCC with cement slab roof

13 21.67

2 Stone / Brick walls and tiled roof

35 58.33

3 Brick walls and cement/tin sheet roof

12 20.00

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.19 shows the type of Anganwadi building in which

they work. When 21.67% of them work in pucca RCC building with

cement slab roof, 58.33% have building with stone / bricks and tiled roofs

while 20% are working in building which is of brick / cement walls and

tin sheet roof.

The observation shows that still Anganwadis are run in semi pucca

building, lacking good infrastructure.

202

TABLE 5.20


DESCRIPTION OF ANGANWADI BUILDING

a) Spatial sufficiency:

Sr. No. Response Frequency Percentage 1 Yes 57 95.00 2 No 3 5.00 Total 60 100.0

b) Lighting and ventilation: Sr. No. Response Frequency Percentage

1 Yes 57 95.00 2 No 3 5.00 Total 60 100.0

c. Accessed by good roads: Sr. No. Response Frequency Percentage

1 Yes 57 95.00 2 No 3 5.00 Total 60 100.0

d. Supply of amenities: Sr. No. Response Frequency Percentage

1. Yes 19 31.67 2. No 41 68.33 Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.20 classifies the respondents according to the

description of their respective Anganwadi buildings and shows that:

For 57(91%) respondents Spatial Sufficiency is sufficient in their

Anganwadis, while the remaining 3 (5%) feel they are constrained by

cramped space;

Lighting and Ventilation: it is sufficient for 57(95%) respondents while

only a meagre 3 (5%) feel it as insufficient.

An overwhelming majority i.e., 57(95%) respondents reported that the

Access Road is good in their Anganwadis, while remaining 3 (5%) feel

203

there is no proper access roads.

Regarding Supply of Amenities, only 19 (31.67%) respondents reported

that their Anganwadis have sufficient amenities (toilet block and kitchen

sink, storage racks and shelves, water and electricity, etc.), while a good

proportion 41 (68.33%) often feel these amenities are inadequate.

It may thus be inferred that while majority of the Anganwadi workers

have a favourable opinion about the space, good lighting, ventilation and

good access roads, majority of them opined that basic amenities are

inadequate.

TABLE 5.21


SATISFACTION WITH ANGANWADI ATMOSPHERE

Sr. No. Satisfaction level Frequency Percentage

1 Highly satisfied 53 88.33

2 Mildly satisfied 7 11.67

Total 60 100.0

From the above Table 5.21 it can be seen that more than one half i.e., 53

(88.33%) of the respondents are highly satisfied with the atmosphere at

their respective Anganwadis, while the remaining 7 (11.67%) respondents

are only mildly satisfied with it.

It may thus be observed that a majority of the Anganwadi workers are

highly satisfied with their workplace atmosphere.

204

TABLE 5.22

CLASSIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING TO COOPERATION RECEIVED FROM

a. Anganwadi neighbours: Sr. No. Response Frequency Percentage

1 Yes 60 100.0

2 No - -

Total 60 100.0

b. Local community leaders: Sr. No. Response Frequency Percentage

1 Yes 59 98.33

2 No 1 1.67

Total 60 100.0

c. Zilla Parishad officials: Sr. No. Response Frequency Percentage

1 Yes 60 100.0

2 No - -

Total 60 100.0

d. Other Government officials: Sr. No. Response Frequency Percentage

1 Yes 59 98.33

2 No 1 1.67

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.22 reveals the respondents according to the

cooperation received by them from others in the smooth conduct of the

Anganwadi and shows that all the 60 (100%) respondents receive

cooperation from the Anganwadi neighbours and Zilla Parishad officials;

while 59 (98.33%) respondents receive cooperation from the local

community leaders as well as government officials.

It is apparent that Anganwadis are functioning according to the

expectation of the locals as it is important for its smooth functioning.

205

TABLE 5.23


TREATMENT RECEIVED FROM VARIOUS AGENCIES

a. Zilla Parishad Officials:



2 Cordial 4 6.67

3 Indifferent - -

4 Insulting - -

Total 60 100.0

b. Other Government Officials:



2 Cordial 3 5.00

3 Indifferent 2 3.33

4 Insulting 1 1.67

Total 60 100.0

c. Anganwadi Visitors:



2 Cordial 4 6.67

3 Indifferent - -

4 Insulting - -

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.23 depicts the respondents according to the treatment

206

received by them at the workplace from various agencies and shows that:

• 56 (93.33%) respondents receive respectful treatment, when 4

(6.67%) respondents have reported it to be cordial; no one is found

to receive indifferent or insulting treatment from Zilla Parishad

officials.

• 54 (90%) of them feel that the treatment received from other

government officials are highly respectful. While 3 (5%)

respondents, it is cordial, for 2 (3.33%) respondents it is

indifferent, while for the remaining 1 (1.67%) respondent it is

insulting.

• Regarding the treatment received from Anganwadi visitors, 56

(93.33%) respondents have reported receiving respectful treatment

and 4 (6.67%) reported it to be cordial; no one receives indifferent

or insulting treatment from the Anganwadi visitors.

It may thus be observed that majority of the Anganwadi workers receive

respectful or cordial treatment from these various agencies stating that

they maintain a good relationship with all those who are associated with

them.

207

TABLE 5.24


SATISFACTION WITH HONORARIUM RECEIVED

Sr. No. Satisfaction level Frequency Percentage

1 Highly Satisfied 10 16.67

2 Mildly Satisfied 35 58.33

3 Neither Satisfied nor Dissatisfied

8 13.33

4 Mildly Dissatisfied

7 11.67

5 Highly Dissatisfied

- -

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.24 reveals the respondents satisfaction with the

monthly honorarium they receive and shows that only 10 (16.67%)

respondents are highly satisfied with their honorarium, while 35 (58.33%)

respondents are only mildly satisfied with it, 8 (13.33%) respondents are

neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with it, 7 (11.67%) are mildly dissatisfied

with it. None of the respondent is highly dissatisfied with the honorarium.

It may thus be inferred that more than one half of the respondents are

only mildly satisfied with their honorarium, while another one-fourth

respondents are either neutral or mildly dissatisfied with it. Hence it can

be inferred that the honorarium is not upto their expectations.

208

TABLE 5.25


FEELING AT THE END OF WORKDAY

Sr. No. Feeling Frequency Percentage

1 Satisfied 40 66.67

2 Frustrated 12 20.00


Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.25 discloses the respondents feelings at the end of the

workday and shows that a good proportion i.e., 40 (66.67%) respondents

have a feeling of satisfaction of a fulfilled workday, but another 12 (20%)

respondents feel frustrated at the end of the workday, while the remaining

8 (13.33%) have a feeling of indifference at the end of the workday.

It may thus be concluded that about two-thirds of the Anganwadi workers

end their workday with a sense of satisfaction towards their work. It

seems that they are solely involved in the work and they enjoy the work

they are doing.

209

TABLE 5.26


FEELING TOWARDS WORK

Sr. No. Feeling Frequency Percentage

1 Committed 55 91.67


3 Hostile 1 1.67

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.26 displays respondents feeling towards their work

and shows that an overwhelming majority of 55 (91.67%) have a feeling

of commitment towards their work, when 4 (6.67%) respondents are

indifferent towards their work remaining 1 (1.67%) respondent is clearly

hostile towards her work.

It may thus be seen that majority of the Anganwadi workers have a

feeling of commitment towards their work. It is an indication that they are

loyal to their work perhaps due to a favourable work environment.

Workplace Profile of Anganwadi Workers

It may be observed from the above 12 Tables that the representative

Anganwadi worker reaches her assigned Anganwadi by walking for two

kilometres; her Anganwadi building is housed either in an RCC building

with cement slab roof or stone/brick walled building with tiled roof or

brick walls with cement/tin sheet roof; the building has sufficient inside

space, good lighting and ventilation, is accessed by good roads, but there

is marked lack of amenities; they receive good cooperation from

Anganwadi neighbours, local community leaders, Zilla Parishad officials

and other government officials; she also receives respectful to cordial

treatment from these persons; she is highly to mildly satisfied about the

210

honorarium she receives for her Anganwadi work; generally has a feeling

of satisfaction at the end of her workday and also has sense of

commitment towards her Anganwadi work.

Work-Related Information of Anganwadi Workers

The following 13 Tables (5.27 to 5.39) present the work-related

information of the respondent Anganwadi workers.

TABLE 5.27

CLASSIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING TO MAIN

REASON BEHIND CHOOSING ANGANWADI WORK

Sr. No. Main Reason Frequency Percentage

1 Liking for community work

35 58.33

2 Economic necessity 16 26.67

3 Affection for children 5 8.33

4 Relief from domestic chores

2 3.33

5 Interest in women’s welfare

1 1.67

6 Seeking job satisfaction 1 1.67

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.27 shows the respondents according to their main

reason behind choosing Anganwadi work and shows that 35 (58.33%)

respondents chose the Anganwadi work for their liking for community

work, 16 (26.67%) out of economic necessity, 5 (8.33%) respondents

were attracted towards it because of their affection for children, 2

(3.33%) respondents sought it for seeking relief from their domestic

211

chores and 1 (1.67%) respondent each were attracted towards it for their

interest in women’s welfare and for seeking job satisfaction, respectively.

It may thus be inferred that liking for community work and economic

necessity are the two primary reasons behind the sampled Anganwadi

workers seeking this particular social service work.

TABLE 5.28


SOURCE OF INFORMATION ABOUT ANGANWADI JOB

Sr. No. Source Frequency Percentage

1 Another Anganwadi worker

14 23.33

2 Friends and relatives

14 23.33

3 Social Activists 13 21.67

4 Press advertisement

12 20.00

5 Government Employment Exchange

7 11.67

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.28 shows the respondents’ sources of information

about the availability of Anganwadi job and shows that 14 (23.33%) each

respondents were informed about it by another Anganwadi worker or by

the friends and relatives, 13 (21.67%) were informed about it by local

social activists, 12 (20%) came to know about it from the press

advertisements and only 7 (11.67%) were informed about it by the

Government employment exchange.

212

It may thus be inferred that the sampled Anganwadi workers obtained the

information about the availability of the Anganwadi job through different

sources.

TABLE 5.29 CLASSIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING

TO SELECTION PROCEDURE

Sr. No. Procedure Frequency Percentage

1 Formal interview 39 65.00

2 Knowledge / Aptitude test

13 21.67

3 Informal discussions

2 3.33

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.29 reveals the selection procedure and shows that 39

(65%) respondents were selected through a formal interview and 13

(21.67%) respondents were selected through knowledge/aptitude test, and

the remaining 2 (3.33%) respondents were selected through informal

discussions.

It may thus be inferred that formal interviews and knowledge/aptitude

tests are the laid down procedures for selecting Anganwadi workers. It

shows that the selection is done scientifically.

213

TABLE 5.30


JOB TRAINING AFTER JOINING

Sr. No. Training Received Frequency Percentage

1 Induction training only

12 20.00

2 Refresher training

38 63.33

3 Special training 16 26.67

4 Advance training

12 20.00

From the above Table 5.30 it can be seen that 12 (20%) respondents have

received only the induction training, 38 (63.33%) respondents had

undergone refresher training, 16 (26.67%) were deputed for special

training and 12 (20%) respondents were selected for advance training. A

cross-check revealed that the selection for special training and advance

training largely depended on the educational qualifications and length of

service of the respondents.

It may thus be inferred that training of the Anganwadi workers is a

regular exercise in the mother and child welfare delivery system.

214

TABLE 5.31


OPINION ABOUT TRAINING RECEIVED

Sr. No. Opinion Frequency Percentage

1 Comprehensive 33 55.00

2 Adequate 15 25.00

3 Inadequate 9 15.00

4 Meagre 3 5.00

Total 60 100.0

Table 5.31 classifies the respondents according to their opinion about the

training they have received and shows that in the opinion of 33 (55%)

respondents, the training was comprehensive, 15 (25%) respondents felt

that it was adequate, 9 (15%) respondents felt that it was inadequate and 3

(5%) respondents clearly expressed that it was meagre.

It may thus be inferred that although the Anganwadi workers regularly

undergo job-related training, it is also necessary to keep it up-to-date and

in keeping with the changing needs of the Anganwadi beneficiaries.

215

TABLE 5.32


MEMBERSHIP IN ANGANWADI UNION


1 Yes 52 86.67

2 No 8 13.33

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.32 shows the respondents according to their trade

union membership and shows that 52 (86.67%) respondents are members

of an Anganwadi workers’ union, while the remaining 8 (13.33%)

respondents are not.

It may thus be inferred that unionization phenomenon is quite strong

among the Anganwadi workers. Perhaps they are aware of the need to

organize together to achieve their rights.

216

TABLE 5.33


LENGTH OF UNION MEMBERSHIP

Sr. No. Membership Length(N=52) (100.0)


1 Upto 2 years 11 21.15

2 2 to 5 years 15 28.85

3 5 to 7 years 5 9.60


Total 52 100.0

The above Table 5.33 reveals that 11 (21.15%) respondents are union

members for upto 2 years only, 15 (28.85%) respondents are union

members for 2 to 5 years, 5 (9.60%) respondents for 5 to 7 years and 21

(40.40%) respondents are union members for more than 7 years. A cross-

check revealed that the younger age respondents are more inclined

towards sooner union membership.

It may thus be inferred that the recent entrants into the Anganwadi work

have a stronger unionization spirit than their middle-age sisters.

217

TABLE 5.34

CLASSIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING TO MAIN

REASON BEHIND JOINING THE UNION

Sr. No. Main Reason (N=52) (100.0) Frequency Percentage

1 Self-will 37 71.10

2 Job protection under Union power

7 13.50

3 Safeguard against injustice

7 13.50

4 Reaction to injustice 1 1.90

Total 52 100.0

The above Table 5.34 shows the main reasons behind joining the Union

and shows that 37 (71.10%) respondents had joined the union out of self-

will, while 7 (13.50%) each had joined the union for job protection under

union power and as a safeguard against any likely injustice, respectively,

while the remaining 1 (1.90%) respondent had joined the union as a

reaction to an injustice inflicted on her. Interestingly, no one had joined

the union under peer pressure.

It may thus be inferred that self-will is the primary driving force for

unionization among the Anganwadi workers. It shows they are very much

aware of the need for union.

218

TABLE 5.35


REPORTING OF JOB-RELATED GRIEVANCES


1. Yes 32 53.33

2. No 28 46.67

Total 60 100.0

From the above Table 5.35 that 32 (53.33%) respondents had taken one

or the other job-related grievance to their superiors, while the remaining

28 (46.67%) respondents had not.

It may thus be inferred that reporting job-related grievance to the

superiors is open to the workers and are welcomed by the superiors.

219

TABLE 5.36


NATURE OF GRIEVANCE REPORTED

Sr. No. Nature of Grievance

Reported (N=32) (100.00)


1 Withheld honorarium 12 37.50

2 Unfair workload 10 31.25

3 Unauthorized deductions

4 11.75

4 Victimization for Union activities

4 11.75

5 Persistent harassment at workplace

2 6.25

Total 32 100.00

The above Table 5.36 shows that 12 (37.50%) respondents had the

grievance regarding honorarium, 10 (31.25%) respondents were

aggrieved by unfair workload, 4 (11.75%) each respondents had

grievance regarding unauthorized deductions from the remuneration and

victimization for union activities, respectively, and 2 (6.25%) respondents

had complaint concerning harassment at the workplace.

It may thus be inferred that withheld honorarium and unfair workload are

the two major grievances of the Anganwadi workers. It seems that

honorarium related complaints dominate the other grievances indicating

that the distribution has the practice of withholding honorarium for

various reasons.

220

TABLE 5.37


SETTLEMENT OF GRIEVANCE

Sr. No. Settlement

Authority (N=32) (100.00)


1 Taluka

Mukhyasevika 26 81.25

2 District C.D.P.O. 6 18.75

Total 32 100.00

The above Table 5.37 shows the settlement of grievances. A majority i.e.,

26 (81.25%) respondents had taken their grievance to the Taluka

Mukhyasevika for settling, while 6 (18.75%) respondents had to take

their grievance upto the District Child Development Project Officer

(CDPO) for settlement.

It may thus be inferred that among the Anganwadi workers, the Taluka

Mukhyasevika is the most favoured authority for grievance settlement.

221

TABLE 5.38


DURATION OF GRIEVANCE SETTLEMENT

Sr. No. Grievance

Settlement Time (N=32) (100.00)


1 On-the-spot 16 50.00

2 1 week 12 37.75

3 2 weeks 3 9.40

7 Still pending 1 3.15

Total 32 100.00

It can be observed from the above Table 5.38 that one half of the

respondents got settled the grievance on-the-spot, for 12 (37.75%)

respondents it took one week, for 3 (9.40%) respondents it was settled

within a fortnight, while in the case 1 (3.15%) respondent, it is still

pending with the CDPO.

It may thus be inferred that the settlement of the job-related grievances of

the Anganwadi workers are handled expeditiously by their superiors.

222

TABLE 5.39


UNION'S HELP IN GRIEVANCE SETTLEMENT

Sr. No. Response (N=32) (100.00) Frequency Percentage

1 Yes 20 62.50

2 No 12 37.50

Total 32 100.0

According to the above Table No. 5.39 62.50% got the help of union in

grievance settlement, 12 (37.50%) respondents presented their grievances

by themselves without union help.

It may thus be inferred that the Anganwadi workers’ union is indeed

helpful in resolving their members’ job-related grievances. The union is

active and is providing timely help to its members.

Work-related Profile of Anganwadi Workers

It may be observed from the above 13 Tables that the representative

Anganwadi worker had chosen the Anganwadi work mainly either for her

liking for community work or out of family’s economic necessity; she

had come to know about the availability of this work through diverse

sources such as another Anganwadi worker, friends and relatives, social

activists, press advertisement or government employment exchange; she

was selected on the basis of her performance in a formal interview; since

joining, she has gone through refresher or special or advance training

programmes and feels that her training was comprehensive; out of self-

will, she has become a member of the Anganwadi workers’ trade union

for varying lengths of period from upto 2 years to above 7 years; she has

223

probably taken up a job-related grievance of withheld remuneration or

unfair workload with her superiors that was settled at the Taluka level by

the Mukhyasevika, in which her union had also helped her.

224

SECTION – IV

5.7 ICDS DELIVERY THROUGH ANGANWADIS

The following 5 Tables (5.40 to 5.44) present the information about the

delivery of the services by the respondent Anganwadi workers in the

setting of their respective Anganwadis.

TABLE 5.40

PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY SURVEY UNDER

ICDS SCHEME


1. Yes 60 100.0

2. No - -

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.43 shows the respondents according to their

participation in the community surveys being conducted under the ICDS

scheme and shows that all the 60 (100%)) respondents indeed had

participated in the survey.

225

TABLE 5.41

RESPONSE OF THE COMMUNITY TO THE SURVEY

SR. NO. RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

1 Very good 36 60.00

2 Good 22 36.67

3 Fair 2 3.33

4 Poor - -

Total 60 100.0

As far as the above Table 5.44 is concerned it can be seen that 36 (60%)

respondents responded as very good, regarding the response of the

community, 22 (36.67%) felt that it was good, while the remaining 2

(3.33%) respondents perceived it to be only fair. However none of them

perceived it as poor.

226

TABLE 5.42 PERCEIVED INTENSITY OF THE COMMUNITY NEED FOR

ANGANWADI SERVICES

a. Supplementary Nutrition: Sr. No. Response Frequency Percentage

1 Acute 27 45.00 2 Substantial 25 41.67 3 Slight 5 8.33 4 None 3 5.00 Total 60 100.0

b. Immunization: Sr. No. Response Frequency Percentage


c. Health Checkup: Sr. No. Response Frequency Percentage


d. Health Referral: Sr. No. Response Frequency Percentage


e. Pre-School Non-formal Education: Sr. No. Response Frequency Percentage


f. Health & Nutrition Education: Sr. No. Response Frequency Percentage



227

individual perceptions, based on the ICDS survey data and personal

observations, of the need of ICDS services in their respective

communities and shows that :

- As regards need for Supplementary Nutrition, 27 (45%)

respondents perceived it to be acute, 25 (41.67%) respondents as

substantial, 5 (8.33%) respondents as slight and 3 (5%) respondents

as none;

- As regards need for Immunization, 30 (50%) respondents

perceived it to be acute, 22 (36.67%) respondents as substantial, 5

(8.33%) respondents as slight and 3 (5%) respondents as none;

- As regards need for Health Checkup, 33 (55%) respondents


(13.33%) respondents as slight and 3 (5%) respondents as none;

- As regards need for Health Referral, 25 (41.67%) respondents


(8.33%) respondents as slight and 4 (6.67%) respondents as none;

- As regards need for Pre-school Non-formal Education, 30 (50%)

respondents perceived it to be acute, 24 (40%) respondents as

substantial, 3 (5%) respondents as slight and 3 (5%) respondents as

none;

- As regards need for Health and Nutrition Education, 26 (43.33%)

respondents perceived it to be acute, 28 (46.67%) respondents as

substantial, 3 (5%) respondents as slight and 3 (5%) respondents as

none.

It may thus be inferred that majority of the Anganwadi workers have

perceived the need for these six services as acute or substantial. Only in

few cases, the perception of these needs is slight to none.

228

TABLE 5.43

PERSONAL PREFERENCE FOR BENEFICIARIES

TO WORK WITH

Sr. No. Preferences Frequency Percentage

1 Children below 6 years 8 13.33

2 Expectant Mothers - -

3 Nursing Mothers - -

4. 15-44 year old women -

4 All Beneficiaries 52 86.67

Total 60 100.0


personal preferences for the beneficiaries that would like to work with

and shows that 8 (13.33%) respondents would preferably like to work

with the children below 6 years, while the remaining 52 (86.67%)

respondents would like to work with all types of Anganwadi

beneficiaries, that is, children below 6 years, expectant mothers, nursing

mothers and 15-44 year old women.

It may thus be inferred that an overwhelming majority of the Anganwadi

workers are really community service oriented.

229

TABLE 5.44

WILLINGNESS TO LEAVE ANGANWADI WORK

FOR SAME PAY AND HOURS


1. Yes 19 31.67

2. No 41 68.33

Total 60 100.0

The above Table 5.48 shows willingness of the respondents to leave

Anganwadi work for the same pay and working hours and shows that 19

(31.67%) respondents are willing to do so, but the remaining 41 (68.33%)

respondents are unwilling to leave their Anganwadi work.

It may thus be inferred that despite their avowed commitment to the

Anganwadi work, about one-third respondents are willing to leave their

work if they can secure the same pay and working hours. The reason

behind this inclination probably lies in their personal, family, social and

work-related problems elaborated earlier. However, a good majority seem

to have commitment to the organization.

On the whole, it may be observed that the representative Anganwadi

worker fulfills her role in ensuring effective delivery of ICDS services

through her Anganwadi.

230

SECTION - V

PERSONAL, FAMILY, SOCIAL AND WORK-RELATED

PROBLEMS

The following 3 Tables (5.45 to 5.47) present the information about the

respondent Anganwadi workers’ personal, family, social and work-

related problems.

TABLE 5.45


PERSONAL AND FAMILY PROBLEMS FACED

Sr. No. Personal and Family

Problems Frequency Percentage

1 Mental strain 50 83.33

2 Physical fatigue 44 73.33

3 Neglect of family obligations 38 63.33

4 Inability to take short breaks for the family

26 47.67

5 Difficulties in hosting/attending family functions

24 40.00

6 Routine things becoming complicated

16 24.67

7 Neglect of children’s education

14 23.33

8 Strained intra-family relations 12 20.00

9 Neglect of family’s health problems

10 16.67

10 Disinterest in family affairs 8 13.33

The above Table 5.40 displays the personal and family problems of

respondents and shows that one half of the respondents experience mental

strain, 44 (73.33%) respondents also face physical fatigue, 38 (63.33%)

231

respondents feel that they neglect their family obligations, 26 (47.67%)

are unable to take short breaks for the family, 24 (40%) face difficulties

in hosting/attending family functions while for 16 (24.67%) respondents

routine personal and family things unnecessarily become complicated,

when 14 (23.33%) feel that they are neglecting their children’s education;

12 (20%) are undergoing strained intra-family relations; 10 (16.67%)

respondents feel that they neglect the family’s health problems, while 8

(13.33%) respondents have become disinterested in family affairs.

It may thus be observed that while the mental strain and physical fatigue

have emerged as the major personal problems for these Anganwadi

workers, their family problems also have quite significant dimensions,

particularly the neglect of family obligations, children’s education and

family’s health problems. It is apparent that though the respondents are

employed they have to play dual role as a home-maker and employee and

are facing role conflict which is manifested in their home activities more

they are unable to execute their household activities properly.

232

TABLE 5.46


SOCIAL PROBLEMS FACED

Sr. No. Social Problems Frequency Percentage

1 Inability to attend social functions

48 80.00

2 Inability to go on social outings

44 73.33

3 Disinterest in social activities

20 33.33

4 Disinterest in social functions

12 20.00

5 Reduced social contact

6 10.00

From the above Table 5.41 it can be observed the social problems being

faced by them and shows that 48 (80%) are unable to attend social

functions, 44 (73.33%) are unable to go on social outings, 20 (33%) are

disinterested in social activities, 12 (20%) are disinterested in social

functions, while there is a reduction in the social contacts of 6 (10%)

respondents.

It may thus be inferred that the root cause of these social problems of the

Anganwadi workers perhaps could be due to work-related strain mental

strain and physical fatigue. Hence they are unable to spare time for other

social activities other than their household activity.

233

TABLE 5.47

Classification of Respondents According to Work-Related Problems Faced

Sr. No. Work-related Problems Frequency Percentage

1 Work overload. 54 90.00

2 Insufficient equipment at the Anganwadi

50 83.33

3 Inadequate amenities at the Anganwadi

48 80.00

4 Varying timings of delivery of supplementary nutrition

16 26.67

5 Frequent stressful situations 12 20.00

6 Uncooperative colleagues 6 10.00

7 Belligerent Anganwadi neighbours 6 10.00

8 Persistently complaining beneficiaries

4 6.67

9 Conveyance difficulties 2 3.33

10 Elongated working hours 2 3.33

11 Harsh superiors 2 3.33

The above Table 5.42 shows distribution of the respondents according to

their work-related problems and shows that 54 (90%) respondents are

plagued by the work overload (due to the rising number of beneficiaries

and additional paperwork and fieldwork responsibilities) 50 (83.33%)

respondents are handicapped by inadequate equipment (utensils, sitting

mats, wall charts, etc.), at the Anganwadi, 48 (80%) respondents are also

handicapped by inadequate amenities (water and electricity supply, clean

and even floor, window curtains, etc.), 16 (26.67%) respondents are

harassed by the daily varying timings of the delivery of supplementary

234

nutrition from the caterers, 12 (20%) respondents frequently face stressful

situations (special attention to ailing children and mothers), 6 (10%) each

respondents have to put up with uncooperative colleagues (mostly the

Anganwadi helper) and belligerent Anganwadi neighbours, respectively,

4 (6.67%) respondents have to face persistently complaining beneficiaries

(child guardians, expectant and nursing mothers), 2 (3.33%) each

respondents encounter conveyance difficulties and by the elongated

working hours due to work overload, and by having to put up with harsh

superiors, respectively.

It may thus be observed that problems indeed galore for a lonesome

Anganwadi worker delivering multiple mother and child welfare services.

Since the work involves high responsibility and has multiple functions, it

is cumbersome for the women to perform satisfactorily.

Problem-wise Profile of Anganwadi Workers

While the mental strain and physical fatigue have emerged as the major

personal problems for these Anganwadi workers, their family problems

also have quite significant dimensions, particularly the neglect of family

obligations, children’s education and family’s health problems. The root

cause of the social problems of the Anganwadi workers is their work-

related mental strain and physical fatigue, which are being reflected in

their social problems. The work-related problems indeed galore for a

lonesome Anganwadi worker delivering multiple mother and child

welfare services at her ill-equipped Anganwadi located in an

inconvenient place.

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