New Delhi, Jul 22:  No data is available on the number of anganwadi workers who have died due to COVID-19 as Anganwadi Services is a scheme implemented by states and Union territories, the Centre said on Friday.

Responding to a question in Lok Sabha, Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said anganwadi workers (AWWs) and anganwadi helpers (AWHs), who were assigned with Covid-related tasks and were in direct contact and care of COVID-19 patients, have been included under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) - Insurance Scheme, with a comprehensive personal accident cover of Rs 50 lakh, subject to certain conditions.

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"As Anganwadi Services is a scheme implemented by states/UTs, the data on number of anganwadi workers who have died due to coronavirus is not available with this ministry," she said in a written reply.

Anganwadi workers were at the forefront of tackling the pandemic as they supplied ration and essentials to children and pregnant and lactating women amid the Covid-induced lockdown.

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(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)