Uttar Pradesh Increases Honorarium and Benefits for Anganwadi Workers

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced an increase in the monthly honorarium for Anganwadi workers and helpers. The honorarium for workers will rise from 8,000 rupees to 12,000 rupees, while helpers will see an increase from 4,000 rupees to 6,000 rupees. Additionally, workers, helpers, and their families will receive cashless medical treatment of up to 5 lakh rupees annually at government hospitals and empanelled healthcare facilities. Other benefits include an increase in the annual distribution of sarees from two to three per person.

Speaking at an event in Ayodhya where he distributed appointment letters, the Chief Minister also detailed plans to modernize the system. The state government intends to make Anganwadi centres smart by providing smartphones to workers; 1.28 lakh devices have been provided in the first phase to enable real time data recording. Adityanath noted that over 70,000 centres have been given an organized structure over the last nine years.

While a center leaning source focused on the policy changes and benefits, a center right leaning source highlighted the Chief Minister's criticism of the previous administration. In that report, Adityanath claimed that Anganwadi centres were in disarray and dilapidated condition before 2017. He alleged that the previous government was insensitive and colluded with a liquor mafia to funnel funds away from the centres, resulting in a lack of drinking water, seating, and nutritious meals for children.