Bhubaneswar:The Odisha chief minister, Naveen Patnaik, Tuesday announced a hike in the salary of Anganwadi workers, mini Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi helpers. The Anganwadi workers salary was enhanced from Rs 4000 to Rs 6000. The salary of mini Anganwadi workers and that of the helper were increased to Rs 4125 and Rs 3000 respectively.

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.

Stating that the Anganwadi workers will also get insurance coverage for health, life and disability, the chief minister said,  “The State government will bear the premium cost.”

The Anganwadi workers in the state were on agitation for the last 36 days demanding Rs 18000 per month salary and regularization of their jobs.