Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced significant hike in the monthly remuneration for Anganwadi workers and helpers statewide, demonstrating increased support for these vital frontline workers.
Under this initiative, CM Naveen Patnaik has declared that aside from the elevation in monthly wages, Anganwadi workers and helpers will now benefit from social security provisions, alongside improved post-retirement perks. This initiative is poised to directly impact approximately 1.48 lakh Anganwadi workers, mini Anganwadi workers, and helpers. According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the state government is earmarking an additional Rs 350 crore annually to facilitate these enhancements.
The decision to augment remuneration follows concerns raised by Anganwadi workers during interactions with Kartik Pandian, the chairman of the 5T initiative, during his recent visits to various districts.
Under the new arrangements, the monthly remuneration for Anganwadi workers has been raised from Rs 7,500 to Rs 10,000, while mini Anganwadi workers will now receive Rs 7,250 instead of the previous Rs 5,375. Similarly, helpers will see an increase to Rs 5,000 from Rs 3,750.
These revised compensations will be retroactively applied from October 2023, with the increased amounts being disbursed from February onwards. Incremental payments covering the period from October 2023 to January 2024 will be credited to the bank accounts of workers and helpers between March 5 and 10.
Moreover, the incentive framework under the exit policy for Anganwadi employees has been overhauled, set to be implemented from April 1, 2024. Under the revised scheme, Anganwadi workers will now receive Rs 1 lakh, up from Rs 40,000 previously, while mini Anganwadi workers and helpers will receive Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively, increased from Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000.
Additionally, the government has announced ex-gratia payments of Rs 2 lakh in case of death or physical disability resulting from an accident for workers and helpers, effective from April 1, 2024. Partial disability will also be covered, with the government offering up to Rs 1 lakh in support.