
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik made a significant decision in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections, as per an official statement released on Thursday. The announcement entails a raise in the remuneration for Anganwadi workers and their assistants. The monthly pay for Anganwadi workers has been elevated from Rs 7,500 to Rs 10,000, and for Mini-Anganwadi workers, it has been increased from Rs 5,375 to Rs 7,250, as stated by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
Likewise, the wages for Anganwadi assistants have been raised from Rs 3,750 to Rs 5,000 per month, according to the statement.
These adjustments in salaries are set to take effect from October 2023, with the state government earmarking an additional Rs 350 crore annually to accommodate the increment. Approximately 1.48 lakh Anganwadi workers, Mini Anganwadi workers, and Anganwadi assistants throughout the state will benefit from this decision. Notably, Mini Anganwadi workers oversee smaller Anganwadi centers in sparsely populated hamlets.
The salary hike will be retroactive from October 2023, with arrear payments for the past four months scheduled to be deposited into their bank accounts between March 5 and 10, as confirmed by an official.
Moreover, the exit policy for Anganwadi workers has been revised, with those leaving their positions now entitled to receive Rs 1 lakh, up from the previous amount of Rs 40,000. Similarly, Mini Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi assistants exiting their roles will receive Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively, compared to the earlier sums of Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000. These changes will take effect from April 1, 2024.
Additionally, the state government announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh in the event of the death or complete physical disability of Anganwadi workers, Mini Anganwadi workers, and Anganwadi assistants, with Rs 1 lakh provided for partial disability. This provision is also slated to commence from April 1, 2024.