RAIPUR: The Women and Child Development Department, Government of Chhattisgarh on Friday hiked the retirement age of Anganwadi workers and assistants to 65 years.

Earlier, it was 62 years and around 46,000 Anganwadi centres existed in the state. Earlier, the state government announced to hike honorarium. The filling of vacant posts of Anganwadi workers from Anganwadi assistants has been increased from 25 percent to 50 percent. Also, the experience required for recruitment from 10 years has been reduced to 05 years.

The Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel during presentation of budget 2023-24 announced an increase in the honorarium of Anganwadi workers and assistants. The hike is from Rs 6,500 per month to Rs 10,000. Similarly, the honorarium of Anganwadi assistants has been increased from Rs 3,250 to Rs 5,000 and the honorarium of mini Anganwadi workers has been increased from Rs 4,500 to Rs 7,500 per month.

The ex-gratia amount was made on the death of Anganwadi workers and assistants and lump sum payment on retirement in the state. Presently Rs 50,000 is being provided by increasing the ex-gratia amount on the death of Anganwadi workers and assistants. Similarly, on retirement, there is a provision to pay Rs 50,000 to Anganwadi workers and Rs 25,000 to helpers.