Anganwadi Workers and Helpers in Benipur Await Honorarium for Six Months, Financial Hardship Deepens
Darbhanga: Anganwadi workers and helpers serving in the Benipur subdivision of Darbhanga district are facing severe financial hardship after not receiving their honorarium for the past six months. The prolonged delay in payment has made it increasingly difficult for many of them to meet their household expenses and support their families.
According to departmental sources, the honorarium of all Anganwadi workers and helpers in the Benipur area has remained pending for the last six months. The delay has led to growing dissatisfaction among the workers, who have urged the state government and the concerned department to release the outstanding payments at the earliest.
Honorarium Pending for Six Months
The Anganwadi workers and helpers said they have not received their honorarium for the past six months, severely affecting their financial stability.
They stated that despite continuing to provide services to children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers under various government welfare schemes, the non-payment of honorarium has lowered their morale and created significant financial stress.
Workers Facing Financial Crisis
The delayed payments have particularly affected families that depend primarily on the honorarium as their main source of income.
Several workers said they are struggling to pay for their children's education, medicines, electricity bills, groceries, and other essential household expenses. Some even claimed they have been forced to borrow money to manage their daily needs.
Continuing to Perform Their Duties
Despite the financial difficulties, Anganwadi workers and helpers continue to carry out their responsibilities through Anganwadi centers.
Their duties include implementing nutrition programs, spreading awareness about immunization, caring for pregnant and lactating women, monitoring child health, and ensuring the effective implementation of various government welfare schemes.
In addition, they regularly participate in government surveys, special campaigns, and public awareness programs. However, they said the continued delay in honorarium payments has left them disappointed.
Department Working on Payment Process
Departmental sources said the process of releasing the pending honorarium is underway.
Necessary administrative and financial formalities are being completed so that the outstanding payments can be disbursed as soon as possible. However, no official date has yet been announced for the release of the pending honorarium.
The workers have urged the authorities to specify a timeline for payment.
Demand for Immediate Release of Pending Dues
The Anganwadi workers and helpers have appealed to the state government and the Department of Women and Child Development to release their pending honorarium on a priority basis.
They said they continue to perform their duties with dedication and sincerity and therefore deserve timely payment for their services.
Appeal to Public Representatives
Several workers have also approached local public representatives and administrative officials, requesting their intervention to resolve the issue.
They said that if the payments continue to be delayed, their financial condition could worsen further. According to them, timely payment would enable them to carry out their responsibilities more effectively.
Possible Impact on Welfare Schemes
Social workers believe that Anganwadi workers and helpers play a crucial role in delivering maternal and child welfare services in rural areas.
They pointed out that prolonged delays in honorarium payments could affect the effective implementation of government welfare programs. However, the workers emphasized that they would continue serving children and beneficiaries despite their financial challenges.
Department Assures Resolution
According to departmental sources, the process of clearing the pending honorarium is ongoing.
Officials said that once the required approvals and financial procedures are completed, the outstanding payments will be released. However, no official order or timeline has been issued so far.
Workers Await Government Decision
At present, hundreds of Anganwadi workers and helpers in the Benipur area are waiting for the release of their six months' pending honorarium.
All eyes are now on the department's decision. The workers remain hopeful that the government will address their concerns on priority and ensure the early release of the pending payments, providing much-needed financial relief and allowing them to continue their responsibilities with renewed confidence.
