The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a package of welfare measures for Anganwadi workers and helpers, aimed at improving their financial security, access to healthcare and working conditions. Announced by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in September 2026, the package covers approximately 2.91 lakh Anganwadi workers and helpers across the state.The measures recognise the important role these frontline workers play in child nutrition, early childhood education, maternal care and the implementation of government welfare programmes.
What is the Anganwadi workers welfare package?
The package brings together an increase in monthly honorarium, cashless medical treatment, financial assistance for an additional saree and the provision of smartphones to strengthen the functioning of Anganwadi centres. It is intended to provide greater support to workers and helpers who serve children, pregnant women, lactating mothers and families at the grassroots level.
How much honorarium will Anganwadi workers and helpers receive?
The most significant benefit is the increase in monthly honorarium. Anganwadi workers will receive Rs 12,000 per month, compared with the earlier Rs 8,000, while Anganwadi helpers will receive Rs 6,000 per month, compared with Rs 4,000 previously. The revised honorarium is effective from September 2026, with payments scheduled to begin in October 2026.The increase takes into account the expanding responsibilities of Anganwadi personnel, including early childhood care and education, nutrition monitoring, maintaining digital records and coordinating with different government departments. The revised amounts include the applicable central and state contributions and incentives. The government order provides for an additional fixed component and a performance-linked incentive component, so the precise payment may depend on the applicable rules and fulfilment of the relevant requirements.
What healthcare benefit is available?
The government has announced cashless medical treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh annually for Anganwadi workers, helpers and their families. The announced facility is intended to reduce the financial burden of hospitalisation and serious illnesses. Treatment is expected to be available at eligible government hospitals, medical colleges and empanelled hospitals, subject to the final implementation guidelines.Workers should contact their Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) or the District Programme Officer to confirm how beneficiaries and family members will be registered, which hospitals are covered, what documents are required and how cashless treatment can be accessed.
Additional saree assistance
Under the package, Anganwadi workers and helpers will receive financial assistance for one additional saree, taking the total provision from two sarees to three. The government has announced an additional amount of Rs 500 for the third saree, with the allocation intended to be transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Smartphones
The government has also taken steps to improve digital facilities at Anganwadi centres. In the first phase, approximately 1.28 lakh smartphones have been provided. These devices are intended to help workers record beneficiary details, update nutrition-related information, monitor children’s growth and submit programme data through digital platforms such as Poshan Tracker.
Who is eligible for these benefits?
The package is intended for Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi helpers serving in Uttar Pradesh under the state’s child development and nutrition services. The revised honorarium, saree assistance and smartphone distribution are governed by the relevant administrative arrangements. These benefits are not general-purpose cash assistance schemes open to every resident of Uttar Pradesh; they are linked to service in the Anganwadi system.
How can eligible workers access the benefits?
Eligible workers and helpers should first contact the supervisor of their Anganwadi area or their Child Development Project Officer. They may also approach the District Programme Officer responsible for Child Development Services and Nutrition in their district. These offices can provide information about the revised honorarium, payment records, healthcare registration, saree assistance and smartphone distribution.Beneficiaries should keep their employee or service details, bank account information linked to their official records, identity documents and any documents required for family healthcare enrolment readily available. For the healthcare facility, workers should specifically ask about the approved beneficiary list, empanelled hospitals, identification requirements and the procedure for cashless admission.
