Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a major hike in the monthly honorarium of Anganwadi workers and helpers in the state.
Under the revised structure, Anganwadi workers will receive ₹12,000 per month, up from ₹8,000. The honorarium for Anganwadi helpers has been increased to ₹6,000 from ₹4,000 per month.
Workers to get additional benefits
Apart from the honorarium hike, the Uttar Pradesh government will provide Anganwadi workers an additional ₹500 for purchasing sarees.
The latest measures are expected to add around ₹20 crore to the state government’s financial burden, according to a News18 report.
Adityanath highlighted the contribution made by Anganwadi workers and helpers, along with ANMs and ASHA workers, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chief Minister said these frontline workers played an important role in helping India deal with one of the biggest public health challenges.
Cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh
The government has also announced a major healthcare benefit. Anganwadi workers and helpers will be eligible for cashless medical treatment of up to ₹5 lakh annually.
Women and Child Welfare Minister Baby Rani Maurya said 71,310 Anganwadi workers and helpers have been recruited in Uttar Pradesh, according to media reports. This includes 21,804 workers and 49,506 helpers.
Other benefits announced in UP
The decision follows an earlier increase in the honorarium for Shiksha Mitras and instructors. Shiksha Mitras now receive ₹18,000 per month, up from ₹10,000, while instructors get ₹17,000 against ₹9,000 earlier.
The Uttar Pradesh government has also approved free lifetime travel on state-run ordinary buses for women above 60 years.
The Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yojana is expected to benefit nearly 88,500 women daily and cost the state around ₹22.5 crore every month.
Eligible women will receive special smart cards from UPSRTC for free travel.
The announcements come ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled for next year.
