MUMBAI: The government has reinstated the retirement benefits for anganwadi workers and helpers, which had been previously discontinued due to the state’s failure to pay premiums on time. On Monday, women and child development minister Aditi Tatkare announced that around 5,605 anganwadi workers, who had not received their dues since April 2022, will now benefit from this initiative.
Under a state government scheme initiated in 2014, anganwadi workers are entitled to receive Rs 1 lakh each, while mini anganwadi workers or helpers can receive up to Rs 75,000 each. This amount is provided as a one-time lump-sum benefit during retirement, resignation, death, or dismissal.
Shubha Shamin from the Action Committee that fights for rights of anganwadi workers said that the state had failed to fulfill premium payments to the service provider, LIC, after 2016. The payments made until 2016 only covered claims until 2020. “Individuals who retired or passed away after that period have been awaiting their dues for the past four years. Many have died. This delay in receiving the entitled amount significantly impacts the lives of anganwadi workers, who retire at the age of 65,” she said.
The premium amount was approved during a cabinet meeting held on Monday. Tatkare said that if there is a future policy decision to introduce gratuity, the lump-sum benefit scheme will be discontinued.
Under a state government scheme initiated in 2014, anganwadi workers are entitled to receive Rs 1 lakh each, while mini anganwadi workers or helpers can receive up to Rs 75,000 each. This amount is provided as a one-time lump-sum benefit during retirement, resignation, death, or dismissal.
Shubha Shamin from the Action Committee that fights for rights of anganwadi workers said that the state had failed to fulfill premium payments to the service provider, LIC, after 2016. The payments made until 2016 only covered claims until 2020. “Individuals who retired or passed away after that period have been awaiting their dues for the past four years. Many have died. This delay in receiving the entitled amount significantly impacts the lives of anganwadi workers, who retire at the age of 65,” she said.
The premium amount was approved during a cabinet meeting held on Monday. Tatkare said that if there is a future policy decision to introduce gratuity, the lump-sum benefit scheme will be discontinued.