Anganwadi Workers’ Revolt: Face Recognition System Sparks Nationwide Outcry
Anganwadi workers across the nation staged protests on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, vehemently opposing the mandatory implementation of a facial recognition system (FRS) for service delivery. The protests highlighted concerns over the system’s potential to deny essential services and nutrition to vulnerable children.
The workers’ primary grievance centers on the perceived misuse of FRS. They fear it could lead to exclusion and discrimination, undermining the very purpose of Anganwadi centres. The lack of adequate technological infrastructure further fuels their discontent.
Beyond the FRS issue, the protests underscored the long-standing problem of unpaid honorariums from the Central government. This financial insecurity adds to the already immense workload and challenges faced by these frontline workers.
Their demands are clear: immediate withdrawal of the mandatory FRS, timely disbursement of honorariums, and the provision of essential technological resources like computers, tablets, smartphones, and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity in all Anganwadi centres.
The nationwide protests signal a growing unrest among Anganwadi workers. The government’s response to these critical demands will significantly impact the effectiveness of India’s crucial nutrition and early childhood development programs. Failure to address these concerns risks jeopardizing the well-being of millions of children.
