Did Nitish Kumar Keep His Promise to Anganwadi Workers?

Patna, Sep 9 (NationPress) Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has delivered on a significant pre-election commitment by sanctioning an increase in the honorarium for Anganwadi workers and assistants in Bihar. This decision was reached during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday in Patna, where 26 proposals from various departments were approved.

With the new structure, Anganwadi workers will now earn Rs 9,000 monthly, while assistants will receive Rs 4,500. Previously, workers were compensated Rs 7,000 and assistants Rs 4,000. The adjustment will take effect starting October 1, 2025.

To support this initiative, the Social Welfare Department has been allocated an additional Rs 345.19 crore annually.

For years, Anganwadi workers and assistants have sought an increase in their honorarium. This announcement comes as a substantial relief to nearly 2.5 lakh Anganwadi staff across Bihar, who play an essential role in child nutrition, maternal health, and early childhood education through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme.

This move is part of Nitish Kumar’s broader pre-election welfare agenda, with the Chief Minister rolling out several initiatives targeting various social groups. Recently, the government also introduced women-focused schemes, including the launch of pink buses specifically for female passengers.

Additionally, the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government has approved several significant proposals across multiple departments, indicating a focus on housing, security modernization, and welfare ahead of the Assembly elections.

Under the Urban Development and Housing Department, the Cabinet authorized the allocation of one acre of surplus State Housing Board land in both Begusarai and Katihar districts. This land will be provided to the Housing Board at a nominal rent of just Rs 1 for the construction of homes for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

In another crucial decision from the Home Department, the cabinet approved the establishment of the Bihar Police Subordinate Services Commission, 2018, which replaces the earlier 2010 regulations, and the installation of CCTV cameras in all police stations, district headquarters, and jails throughout Bihar.

The approval for the acquisition of CCTV systems and related equipment aims to enhance surveillance, transparency, and the efficiency of law enforcement.

The Cabinet also cleared various proposals related to health, education, social welfare, planning, food, public distribution, consumer affairs, and the Panchayati Raj Department.

As the Assembly elections approach, the Nitish Kumar government is implementing a series of welfare measures—from increasing honorariums for Anganwadi workers to launching pink buses for women commuters. Analysts interpret these Cabinet approvals as part of a larger strategy to resonate with women, the economically disadvantaged, and grassroots communities.