Anganwadi workers say new SIMs won't fix outdated phones

Anganwadi workers in Kerala have welcomed the state's decision to change their official mobile network provider, but insist that the real hurdle to their work remains the outdated smartphones they were issued years ago.

The Women and Child Development (WCD) department has ordered the transfer of 27,296 official SIM connections to an alternative telecom operator, while 5,819 connections will stay with the current provider in areas where coverage is adequate. The move follows a state-wide survey of all 33,115 anganwadis that assessed network availability and tariff costs.

However, workers point out that the Poshan Tracker app—essential for recording daily activities such as anganwadi opening status, meal distribution, pre-school attendance, growth monitoring, home visits, and take-home ration distribution via facial recognition—fails to download on the government-issued phones. The app's frequent updates are incompatible with the older handsets, forcing workers to install it on their personal phones. But those devices often hang because they are loaded with personal data and apps like WhatsApp.

Workers also complain that they are required to watch video classes and PDFs for early childhood care and education, but even the allowance for recharging their phones is delayed. They say they have heard that funds were received for new smartphones, but they are still waiting. Many believe tablets would be more suitable for data uploads.

Krishna Veni G. Sharma, state president of the Kerala Anganwadi and Creche Workers' Union (INTUC), said the union has raised the demand for tablets with Women and Child Development Minister Bindhu Krishna, who assured a decision before Onam. The union plans to reiterate the demand at its upcoming state committee meeting.