Diwali arrives early for Anganwadi workers as Odisha announces salary hike

Bhubaneswar: Better late than never phrase fits well for the Anganwadi workers protesting at the Lower PMG Square in Bhubaneswar for over a month now as the Odisha government today announced an increase in their salary along with other benefits.

Announcing the hike, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, "My government has always kept the interest of Anganwadi workers, helpers and mini Anganwadi workers as priority. They have a significant role in care and protection of women and children. I am pleased to announce that the government has decided to enhance the salary of the Anganwadi workers, mini Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi helpers to Rs 6000, Rs 4125 and Rs 3000 per month, respectively," he said.

The CM also said that Anganwadi workers will also get insurance coverage for health, life and disability. "The State government will bear the premium cost," said Patnaik, adding that the workers will now be covered under the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

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The decision of the government has come as a great relief for the agitating workers whose protest entered 36th day today.