Madhya Pradesh chief minister, Shivraj Singh has announced a hike of Rs 3,000 in the monthly honorarium of anganwadi workers. The hike has raised the amount to Rs 13,000 and is said to be implemented in anticipation of the upcoming Assembly polls.
During a convention, Chouhan further revealed that anganwadi workers will also receive the benefits of Rs 1,000 being transferred to the accounts of 1.25 crore women through the newly-launched ladli behna scheme.
Additionally, the honorarium for anganwadi workers will also see an increment with an additional yearly increase of Rs 1,000 as an incentive, the chief minister stated. Furthermore, the honorarium for mini Anganwadi workers has been raised to Rs 6,500 per month, he added.
Moreover, the govt also announced several retirement benefits for the workers. Upon retirement, Anganwadi workers and assistants (sahayikas) will receive Rs 1.25 lakh, along with eligibility for health and accident insurance amounting to Rs 5 lakh, as stated by the chief minister.
Furthermore, Chouhan announced that at least 50 per cent of the positions will be reserved for sahayikas upon promotion to anganwadi workers, and anganwadi workers will be provided with facilities akin to those enjoyed by government employees.
The upcoming polls pose a challenge for the ruling BJP as it faces competition from the Congress party. In the previous elections held in 2018, Congress narrowly defeated the BJP and formed a coalition government by joining hands with the SP, BSP, and independent candidates.
