Chandigarh, (Bharat sandesh) – In a benevolent gesture, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave approval to hike the monthly honorarium of Aanganwari Workers and Helpers by Rs 800 and Rs 400 with effect from November1, 2011 +thereby increasing it to Rs 4600 and Rs 2300 per month respectively.
A decision to this effect was taken by Mr Badal in a meeting with the delegation of All Punjab Aanganwari Mulaazam Union led by its President Mrs Hargobind Kaur here at Chief Minister’s residence, this evening.
It may be recalled that Aanganwari Workers and Helpers were getting honorarium of Rs 3800 and 1900 per month respectively, of which Rs 3000 was paid by the Centre and Rs 800 by the state in case of Aanganwari workers. Likewise Rs 1500 was contributed by the Centre and Rs 400 by the state, in case of Aanganwari helpers.
Responding positively to the demands raised by the delegation, the Chief Minister also directed the Secretary Social Security to give five additional marks to the Aanganwari workers with higher qualifications of B.Ed, M.Ed or Post Graduation in any subject for promotion to the post of Supervisors and asked him to immediately issue a notification in this regard. The Chief Minister was also apprised in the meeting that 50% of Aanganwari Centres out of 25650 had been provided with the Gas connections at a cost of Rs 5 crore during the current Financial Year and the remaining 50% would also be covered under the scheme at a cost of Rs 5 crore by next Financial year i.e 2012-2013.
A sum of Rs 10 crores had also been released for the construction of buildings of Aanganwari centres during the ongoing financial year. As many as 250 such centres would be constructed at a cost Rs 4 lac each. Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for showing magnanimity in accepting their long pending demands Mrs Hargobind Kaur assured Mr Badal on behalf of all Aanganwari workers and helpers that they would discharge their duties with far more commitment, dedication and sincerity to ensure over all development and prosperity especially in the rural segment that too at the grassroots level.
Prominent amongst others who participated in the deliberations in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister MR DS Guru, Secretary Social Security, Women and Child Development Mr TR Saarangal and Director Social Security, Women and Child Development Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh.
