This Diwali, lakhs of Anganwadi workers and helpers across the state will celebrate the festival with greater happiness. Ahead of the festival, the Yogi government has increased their honorarium, extending a special benefit to lakhs of families. The workers, who have been shouldering the responsibility of children’s nutrition, healthcare and early education for a long time, are now receiving an enhanced honorarium.
The monthly honorarium of Anganwadi workers has been increased from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000, while that of helpers has been increased from Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000. As a result, workers are receiving an additional Rs 4,000 every month, while helpers are receiving an additional Rs 2,000. The increased income will not only strengthen household budgets but also make festival preparations easier.
The Yogi government has also accorded priority to the health security of approximately 3.35 lakh Anganwadi workers and helpers and their family members. They are now entitled to cashless treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh every year for themselves and their families. The facility can be availed of, as required, at government hospitals, medical colleges and empanelled private hospitals.
In addition, they will now receive 3 sarees instead of the 2 provided earlier. An additional amount of Rs 500 has been made available for this purpose. The government is spending approximately Rs 20 crore on this provision. These facilities will not only add to the festive celebrations but also help reduce concerns relating to the health of their family members.
The government is also expanding technological facilities to modernise the Anganwadi system. In the first phase, 1,23,398 smartphones have already been provided, followed by another 69,803 smartphones under the replacement policy. This has made it easier to record information related to children’s nutrition and government schemes in real time.
The Chief Minister has also set a target of providing its own building to every Anganwadi centre in the state.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has described the role of these workers as the foundation of children’s future and appreciated their contribution. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, these women played an important role by reaching villages and carrying out screening and providing services to infected people.
The increase in honorarium, health security for families and expansion of work-related facilities indicate that the government recognises not only the contribution of Anganwadi personnel but also the well-being of their families. This Diwali, the lamps in their homes will spread greater brightness, accompanied by increased income and the assurance of security.
Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development, Leena Johri, said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government is working with commitment towards the economic empowerment and social security of 1,75,982 Anganwadi workers and 1,70,656 helpers. The increase in honorarium is providing them with additional financial support every month.
Along with this, the decision to provide cashless treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh to their families has strengthened the sense of security in their lives. The government’s endeavour is to ensure better facilities and recognition for these personnel, who play an important role in the nutrition and care of children.
Anganwadi worker Savitri said that the decision to increase the honorarium is a matter of great happiness for all workers. The additional Rs 4,000 received every month will help meet household expenses and fulfil the needs of their children. This government’s gift during Diwali has doubled their happiness.
Meanwhile, Seema said that along with the increase in honorarium, the provision of cashless treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh for the entire family is extremely important. At times, illness creates financial difficulties for families. This facility will now provide significant relief. The government has recognised their hard work and responsibilities.
Since assuming office in 2017, the Yogi government has consistently increased the honorarium of Anganwadi personnel. At that time, workers were receiving Rs 3,000 per month, while helpers were receiving Rs 1,500 per month. Now, workers will receive Rs 12,000 and helpers Rs 6,000 per month. This represents a fourfold increase for both categories compared to their initial honorarium. This increase will provide these women with greater financial stability and additional support in meeting their family needs.
Financial support for over 1.75 lakh Anganwadi workers and more than 1.70 lakh helpers; cashless treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh for their families
Along with increased income, additional saree and smartphone facilities to further enhance their dignity
