In a major development, the Andhra Pradesh Government has announced a steep hike in the honourarium of anganwadi workers, helpers and mini anganwadi workers.
The honourarium of anganwadi workers has been enhanced from the existing Rs.4,200 a month to Rs.7,000 while that of anganwadi helpers has been increased from Rs. 2,200 to Rs. 4,500. The honorarium for the mini anganwadi workers has been enhanced from Rs. 2,900 a month to Rs. 4,500 and the new honorarium would come into effect from April 1 next year.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said that the Government was presently incurring Rs.398.7 crore annually for payment of honorarium to anganwadi workers, helpers and mini anganwadi workers. The enhanced wages would take the quantum to Rs.709.9 crore of which the Central Government's share would be Rs.169.9 crore. The State would have an additional burden of Rs.311.12 crore on account of the proposed hike.
Mr. Naidu said that the Government had decided to enhance the wages for anganwadi workers in spite of the financial constraints faced by the State. "We will try to tide over the crisis and ensure payment of the new wages from the next financial year," he said adding that the announcement was made in connection with the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
He said the Government had also decided to allot 10-acre land in the new capital Amaravati for construction of a museum, Ambedkar Spoorthy Bhavan, depicting the life of Dr. Ambedkar. The museum would be an inspiration for the future generations and would help in creating awareness on the constitutional values.
In addition, steps would be taken to ensure that Ambedkar Bhavans are set up in all the district headquarters in the State.
