Abstract

The Anganwadi services, a keystone of India's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), works towards in combating of malnutrition and child hunger through a network of centres providing health, nutrition, and early education services by employing anganwadi workers as community helpers. Study explores the knowledge of Anganwadi workers (AWWs) in Haryana regarding various child-rearing practices and the socio-economic factors affecting their level of knowledge. Data for the study was collected from two cultural zones, Bagar and Nardak, focusing on Hisar and Panchkula districts with sample size of 300 respondents, equally representing both urban and rural areas of districts. Analysis of data was done by using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. From the findings of study it was revealed that urban AWWs had slightly higher knowledge levels in feeding, weaning, toilet training, and discipline practices compared to their rural counterparts, although both groups showed high knowledge in immunization and growth monitoring. Study revealed that factors such as age, caste, education, family income, material possession, extension contacts, social participation, and mass media exposure significantly influenced the knowledge levels of AWWs. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted training and addressing socio-economic differences to enhance the effectiveness of AWWs in implementing child development programs across the state and nation.