Nitish Kumar fulfils promise, increases honorarium of Anganwadi workers ahead of Bihar elections
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Boosts Anganwadi Workers’ Pay: A Big Win for Child Welfare
In a heartening move for Bihar’s frontline workers, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has approved a significant hike in the honorarium for Anganwadi workers and assistants. This decision fulfills a key promise from the Bihar government’s pre-election agenda and brings much-needed relief to thousands of dedicated staff.
The announcement came during a bustling Cabinet meeting in Patna on Tuesday, where officials greenlit 26 proposals from various departments. Now, Anganwadi workers will earn Rs 9,000 per month, up from the previous Rs 7,000. Their assistants will see their pay rise to Rs 4,500 from Rs 4,000. This increased honorarium for Anganwadi workers kicks in from October 1, 2025, making it a timely boost ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.
To make this happen, the Social Welfare Department gets an extra Rs 345.19 crore every year. For years, these workers and assistants have pushed for better pay, and this step addresses their long-standing demands. Around 2.5 lakh Anganwadi staff across Bihar will benefit. They play a vital role in the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, focusing on child nutrition, maternal health, and early childhood education—essentials for Bihar’s growing families.
This isn’t just about money; it’s part of Nitish Kumar’s wider welfare drive to support everyday people. Recently, the government rolled out women-centric schemes, like pink buses just for female passengers, to make travel safer and more accessible. Political watchers see these steps as a smart way to connect with women voters, the poor, and local communities as elections approach.
The Cabinet didn’t stop there. They approved more game-changing proposals to improve life in Bihar. Under the Urban Development and Housing Department, the government allocated one acre of surplus State Housing Board land in Begusarai and Katihar districts. This land goes to the Housing Board for a symbolic rent of just Rs 1, paving the way for affordable houses for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) families.
On the security front, the Home Department scored big too. The Cabinet okayed the Bihar Police Subordinate Services Commission 2018, replacing the outdated 2010 rules. They also pushed for CCTV cameras in every police station, district headquarters, and jail statewide. This includes buying the necessary CCTV systems and gear to ramp up surveillance, boost transparency, and make law enforcement more efficient in Bihar.
Other approvals covered health, education, social welfare, planning and development, food and public distribution, consumer affairs, and the Panchayati Raj Department. From enhancing Bihar child welfare programs to modernizing security, these moves show the Nitish Kumar government’s focus on real progress.
As Bihar gears up for Assembly elections, these welfare measures—like the Anganwadi honorarium hike and pink bus initiative—aim to win hearts across the state. It’s clear the government is prioritizing grassroots support to build a stronger Bihar for all.
