Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik today announced a Diwali gift for the anganwadi workers by hiking their monthly emolument. Henceforth, they will get a salary of Rs 6000 instead of Rs 4,000. The anganwadi workers had been on a strike for the last 36 days demanding hike in salary and status of government servant.

Chief minister made the announcement after a delegation of anganwadi workers met him at the state secretariat and discussed their issues.

Announcing this, Naveen said: " The state government has decided to enhance the honorarium of anganwadi workers, mini- anganwadi workers and anganwadi helpers to Rs 6000, Rs 4125 and Rs 3,000, respectively. They will also come under insurance coverage, for health, life, disability, and scholarship. The state government will bear the premium cost. They will also be covered under the Chief Minister's Relief Fund."

However, anganwadi workers appear to be divided on this issue. Those affiliated to the BJD-sponsored union, announced their withdrawal from the ongoing strike. But, the other factions were yet to announce their withdrawal from the dharna site.

Earlier today, the state BJP unit criticised the government for not addressing the issues of anganwadi workers. The agitating anganwadi workers had been demanding a minimum of Rs 18,000 pay a month and status of government servant. Addressing a press conference here, BJP state women wing chief Pravati Parida said: "To pressurise the government to listen to their demands, the BJP delegations will meet the district collectors across the state on October 18."