GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma distributed terminal benefits to nearly 800 Anganwadi workers and helpers on Wednesday.
According to Sarma, Assam is the first state in the country to offer such final benefits to Anganwadi workers and helpers.
As per the benefits, Anganwadi workers will receive ₹6 lakh, small-centre workers will receive ₹3 lakh, and Anganwadi centre helpers will receive ₹2 lahks when they retire at the age of 60.
Furthermore, 50% of terminal benefits will be provided to Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi helpers who voluntarily retire after ten years of continuous service.
Similarly, as per media reports, financial assistance will be provided to the families of deceased Anganwadi workers and helpers who have served for 10 years in a row.
Sarma gave out terminal benefits to 793 Anganwadi workers and helpers on Wednesday, including 394 Anganwadi workers and 399 helpers, as per reports.
Sarma urged Anganwadi workers and helpers to continue visiting their respective centres after retirement, citing the government's decision to allow retired teachers to return to the classroom if they so desire.
"The decision was made to ensure that the teacher's relationship with the institute and the students continues and that the students can benefit from these teachers' extensive experience," he explained, as stated by the media.
He stated that the state's Anganwadi workers and helpers would greatly benefit if they could be enrolled in the Atal Pension Scheme in the future, with the state government paying some of the premiums, as per media reports.