HYDERABAD: The State government on Saturday hiked the honorarium for Anganwadi workers and helpers in the State with retrospective effect from March 1. Simultaneously, it increased their responsibilities and framed rules for stringent action in case of dereliction of duties.
The disciplinary proceedings, include termination of service, issue of memos and even 10 per cent salary cut. Two separate orders were issued to this effect. Accordingly, the Anganwadi workers will now get Rs 7,000 honorarium as against the Rs 4,200 they are drawing. The helpers will get Rs 4,500 per month as against Rs 2,200. Mini Anganwadi workers will also get a monthly honorarium of Rs 4,500, up from Rs 2,200.
As per the latest orders, the Anganwadi centers should run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Boiled eggs should be served at 10 a.m. to pre-school children. Anganwadi workers should also organise supplementary nutrition feeding for children aged between 3-6 years and provide hot cooked meals for pregnant and lactating mothers as per the prescribed menu.
The role of Anganwadi helpers now includes maintenance of Anganwadi centers too.