Odisha govt announces pay hike for Anganwadi workers, helpers

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government today announced a slew of benefits for Anganwadi workers and helpers, including a hike in monthly honorarium and retirement age.

Hailing the Anganwadi workers for playing a significant role in care and protection of women and children, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced about the move after chairing a high-level meeting at State Secretariat here this afternoon.

As per the decision, Anganwadi workers in the State who drew Rs 6000 will now get Rs 7,500 per month, of which the Centre will give Rs 4800 and the State’s share is Rs 2700.

Similarly, the monthly honorarium of mini- Anganwadi workers has been hiked to Rs 5,375 from Rs 4,125 per month.

The Anganwadi helpers will now receive Rs 3,750 against Rs 3,000 per month earlier.

The hike will come into effect retrospectively from Oct 1, 2018, the release added.

Besides, the State government has also increased the retirement age of these grassroot workers from 60 to 62 years old, an official communication stated.

“At the time of exit at the age of 62 years, the Anganwadi workers, the Mini Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi helpers will be given a lump-sum incentive of Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively as a measure of social security,” said the Chief Minister.

He also announced a 15-day summer vacation for them and filling of 50% posts of supervisors from Anganwadi workers.

The Chief Minister had earlier announced that Anganwadi workers, Mini-Anganwadi workers, Anganwadi helpers shall be covered under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.