Not just connections, outdated smartphones too a problem, say anganwadi workers
Anganwadi workers report that while the government is transitioning SIM cards to improve network connectivity, their primary issue remains outdated smartphones. These devices are unable to run the mandatory Poshan Tracker app, forcing workers to use personal phones for official tasks.
Why it matters
The digital divide and hardware limitations in public service delivery can hinder the efficiency of essential nutrition and child development programs.
A Women and Child Development (WCD) department order sanctioning transition of official SIM connection of anganwadi workers from the current service provider to an alternative telecom service providers is not enough, say anganwadi workers. According to the decision, taken on the basis of a letter to the government from WCD Director V. Vigneshwari, 27,296 connections would be transitioned from the current service provider, while 5,819 connections would be retained in areas with adequate coverage.
This follows anganwadi workers reporting persistent network issues at the field level. A comprehensive State-wide survey was conducted across the 33,115 anganwadis to evaluate network availability and tariff comparative costs before the order was issued.
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