Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced a hike of 50% in the monthly honorarium for over one lakh Anganwadi workers in the State.

While monthly honorarium of Anganwadi workers has been raised from Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000, the honorarium of Mini Anganwadi workers has been hiked from Rs 2,750 to Rs 4,125 and that of Anganwadi helpers from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000.

“I am pleased to announce the State government has decided to enhance the honorarium of Anganwadi workers, Mini Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi helpers to Rs 6000, Rs 4125 and Rs 3000 respectively,” Patnaik announced this evening while claiming that interest of Anganwadi his government’s priority.

He said that Anganwadi workers have a significant role in care and protection of women and children.

The Chief Minister also announced that Anganwadi workers will get insurance coverage for health, life and disability.

“They shall also come under insurance coverage for health, life and disability. The State government shall bear the premium cost,” Patnaik said.

Various assistance to them will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), he added.

It has been decided to constitute a grievance redressal forum to address their grievances.

Earlier in the day, a section of Anganwadi workers owing allegiance to the trade union wing of Biju Janata Dal (BJD)-Biju Shramik Sammukhya, who had been on dharna at the lower PMG square for the last 36 days, had a meeting with the Chief Minister wherein the latter assured them to look into their problems soon.

Following the meeting, the Sammukhya announced to withdraw its agitation.

However, a section of Anganwadi workers owing allegiance to Bharatiya Mazdoor Sabha (BMS)-the trade union wing of BJP has criticized the hike announced by the Chief Minister and have decided to continue with their dharna.