CM Naveen Patnaik showers sops on Anganwadi workers

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced several sops for Anganwadi workers & helpers including salary hike and increase in the age of disengagement from service.

"While the monthly salary of Anganwadi workers has been increased to Rs 7500 from Rs 6000, Mini Anganwadi workers will get a salary of Rs 5375 instead of Rs 4125," CM Naveen informed.

Similarly, for Anganwadi helpers, monthly salary has been increased to Rs 3,750 from Rs 3,000.

Moreover, the age for disengagement has been increased from 60 years to 62 years subject to certain conditions to be prescribed by the Government. At the time of disengagement at 62 years, an amount of Rs 20,000 to Anganwadi workers, Rs 15,000 to mini Anganwadi workers and Rs 10,000 to Anganwadi helpers will be given as a measure of social security.

Apart from that, a vacation of 15 days will be allowed annually to Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi helpers during peak summer period.

The new increment in salaries will come into effect retrospectively from October 1, 2018, informed sources.

Criticising the State government’s move, BJP spokesperson Golak Mahapatra said, "Announcement of salary increment for Anganwadi workers is just like handing over lollipops to children."