Rural watchman's monthly honorarium increased to Rs 15 221 Haryana CM

Chandigarh, Nov 6 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday announced an increase in the monthly honorarium of the Gramin Chowkidars (rural watchmen) from Rs 11,000 to Rs 15,221 ahead of Diwali.

     Highlighting the increase in the honorarium, the chief minister said that in 2014, rural watchmen were receiving a monthly honorarium of only Rs 3,500, which has now increased more than fourfold.

     Saini was speaking as the chief guest at the state-level Gramin Chowkidars Samman Samaroh held in Panchkula.

     Haryana Development and Panchayats Minister Krishan Lal Panwar, Deputy Speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly Krishan Middha, Chairman of the Haryana Public Enterprises Bureau Mohan Lal Badoli, were among those present.

     On the occasion, Saini extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the festivals of Dhanteras and Diwali.

     According to an official statement, Saini also made several significant announcements for Gramin Chowkidars.

     These include an increase in the annual uniform allowance from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000; the annual allowance for essential equipment, including a lathi (baton), flashlight, whistle and umbrella, from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500; and the bicycle allowance from Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,000.

     In another significant decision aimed at the welfare of Gramin Chowkidars, the chief minister announced that, for the first time in Haryana's history, they would be covered under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme, on the lines of the provisions applicable to water supply and sanitation workers.

     Under this scheme, rural watchmen and their families will have access to medical treatment in case of illness. They will also receive benefits in the event of an accident or disability.

     He further announced that every rural watchman would now also be covered under the Haryana Labour Welfare Fund. This will enable them to avail financial assistance under various government welfare schemes for the education and marriage of their children, as well as to meet other family-related needs.

     Saini announced that all these benefits would come into effect with immediate effect.

     He stated that these decisions would entail an additional annual expenditure of approximately Rs 27 crore for the state government.

     However, he emphasised that this expenditure on those who safeguard the villages is, in essence, an investment in the security of every village and every household in the state.

     Saini said that he has directed the officials concerned to issue notifications regarding these decisions at the earliest.

     He further instructed that the enhanced monthly honorarium must be credited directly to the bank accounts of rural watchmen before the 7th of every month.

     He also directed that every watchman be registered under the ESI scheme and the Haryana Labour Welfare Fund without delay. District- and block-level officials have been instructed to personally monitor the registration process, ensuring that no watchman has to visit government offices repeatedly to avail the benefits to which they are entitled.

     Interacting with the rural watchmen, Saini urged them to become active partners in the fight against drug abuse.

     He said that drug addiction destroys families and shatters the dreams of the youth. "You know the streets and people of your villages. If anyone is involved in selling drugs, report the matter without fear," he urged.

     Emphasising that the youth are the future of Haryana, the Chief Minister called upon the watchmen to extend their full cooperation in this campaign.

     He also stressed the need to ensure the safety and security of women, girls and senior citizens. Whether it is a girl going to school, a woman working in the fields or an elderly person living alone, he urged the watchmen to come forward with sensitivity and a sense of responsibility whenever anyone needs assistance.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)