Odisha Government Hikes Remuneration for Anganwadi Workers

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at improving the livelihoods of Anganwadi and Mini Anganwadi workers in Odisha, the state government has announced a hike in their monthly remuneration. Effective retrospectively from October 1, 2023, Anganwadi workers will now receive Rs 10,000 per month, up from Rs 7,500, while Mini Anganwadi workers will see their monthly remuneration increase to Rs 7,250 from Rs 5,375. Additionally, Anganwadi assistants will now be paid Rs 5,000 per month, up from Rs 3,750.

The government has allocated Rs 350 crore annually to support this hike, demonstrating its commitment to improving the welfare of these workers. To ensure timely disbursement, the revised remuneration will be available regularly from February 2024. Moreover, arrears for the period between October 2023 and January 2024 will be credited to the workers’ accounts from March 5 to March 10.

Furthermore, the Odisha government has announced an increase in pension and social security assistance for Anganwadi workers under the Exit policy. Effective April 1, 2024, incentives under the Exit policy have been substantially raised, with Anganwadi workers set to receive Rs 1 lakh, up from Rs 40,000 previously. Mini Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi assistants will also benefit from higher incentives, receiving Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000, respectively.

In addition to these enhancements, the government has extended insurance coverage for Anganwadi workers in case of accidents. In the event of death, workers will now be covered for Rs 2 lakh, while those facing disability due to accidents will receive Rs 1 lakh in assistance.