Anganwadi Workers Struggle with Digital Data Management Amid Connectivity Issues

In a bid to modernize the management of Anganwadi services, the Indian government introduced the Poshan Tracker app, designed to streamline data collection among Anganwadi workers (AWWs). However, recent interactions with AWWs in villages within the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve have illuminated the challenges posed by this digital tool. Despite the intention to enhance efficiency and transparency, many workers are finding themselves at a disadvantage due to a combination of poor connectivity and a lack of digital literacy.

During a visit in August 2025 to various villages, I met with six Anganwadi workers, only one of whom regularly used the application. In the Bamhni, Atariya, Surhi, Mahamai, and Jakadbandha villages, a common theme emerged: many workers rely on family members, primarily their husbands or sons, to manage the application on their behalf. This reliance highlights a significant gap in training—the workers often have little knowledge of how to operate the app themselves. For instance, one worker disclosed that her husband handles all data uploads, frequently traveling to the top of a nearby hill to access a stable internet connection.

Moreover, the issues are compounded by the slow internet speeds available in these remote areas. Another worker expressed her frustrations about the cumbersome process of entering data, particularly while also trying to verify information for the Mahtari Vandana Yojana, a program that provides eligible women over 21 with monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000. As she juggled these responsibilities, she emphasized the time-consuming nature of the app, which is not conducive to the urgent needs of the community she serves.

Despite the government’s aim of empowering women through this digital initiative, many AWWs feel that the app is doing more harm than good. The digital divide is stark; while some workers struggle to keep up with the demands of the app, others are left without the benefits they are entitled to due to the inefficiency of the system. This situation raises important questions about the inclusivity of such technological solutions and whether they genuinely cater to the needs of the grassroots workers they aim to assist.

As discussions continue around the Poshan Tracker app’s efficacy and accessibility, it becomes imperative for policymakers to take a step back and reassess the implementation strategy. Ensuring that all Anganwadi workers are adequately trained and that infrastructure improvements are made to support digital initiatives could close the gap between intention and reality, ultimately benefiting the communities these workers serve.

Source: scroll.in