On 26 February 2024, the Maharashtra state cabinet approved the reinstatement of retirement benefits for anganwadi workers and helpers, which were previously halted due to delays in premium payments.
Aditi Tatkare, Women and Child Development Ministry, announced this move, which will benefit 5,605 anganwadi workers who hadn’t received their entitlements since April 2022.
Implemented under a state government scheme launched in 2014, anganwadi workers and helpers are eligible to receive up to Rs 75,000 each as a lumpsum benefit upon retirement, resignation, demise, or dismissal.
The decision to reinstate these benefits was made during a recent cabinet meeting, with the approval of the premium amount being a key aspect of the decision.
For the benefit of anganwadi workers and helpers in Kerala, the state government had announced a salary hike for approximately 60,000 anganwadi workers and helpers across the state, in January 2024. K N Balagopal, finance minister, Kerala, disclosed that those with over ten years of service would see a Rs 1000 increase in their salary, while others would receive a raise of Rs 500.
With this decision, a total of 60,232 workers and helpers will benefit. It reflects the government’s acknowledgment and gratitude for their dedicated service. It will also uplift them financially because of the increased monthly earnings.
Currently, Anganwadi workers in the state earn Rs 12,000 per month, while helpers receive Rs 8,000. The government’s decision to raise their wages will be effective from December 2023 onward.
