Chandigarh: On the auspicious occasions of Dhanteras and Diwali, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced an increase in the monthly honorarium of the Gramin Chowkidars (Rural Watchmen) from Rs 11,000 to Rs 15,221. With this increase, each watchman will receive an additional Rs 4,221 per month, translating into an annual benefit of more than Rs 50,000.
Highlighting the significant improvement 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.
The Chief Minister 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.
The Chief Minister 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.
