Haryana hikes rural watchmen's honorarium to Rs 15,221, announces ESI cover

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday announced an increase in the monthly honorarium of Gramin Chowkidars (rural watchmen) from Rs 11,000 to Rs 15,221, along with enhanced allowances and social security benefits, ahead of Diwali.

Addressing the state-level Gramin Chowkidars Samman Samaroh in Panchkula, Saini said the monthly honorarium of rural watchmen had increased more than fourfold since 2014, when they received Rs 3,500.

The Chief Minister also announced that rural watchmen would, for the first time in the state's history, be covered under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme and the Haryana Labour Welfare Fund.

According to an official statement, the measures will come into effect immediately and entail an additional annual expenditure of approximately Rs 27 crore for the state government.

𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀, 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱

Apart from the honorarium hike, Saini announced an increase in the annual uniform allowance from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000.

The yearly allowance for essential equipment, including a baton, flashlight, whistle and umbrella, has been raised from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500.

The bicycle allowance has also been increased from Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,000.

Saini said the decisions were aimed at improving the financial security and working conditions of rural watchmen, who perform important duties in maintaining vigilance and assisting residents in villages.

He directed the officials concerned to issue notifications regarding the revised benefits at the earliest.

𝗘𝗦𝗜 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿, 𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱

In a major welfare measure, the Chief Minister announced that Gramin Chowkidars would be brought under the ESI Scheme on the lines of provisions applicable to water supply and sanitation workers.

Under the scheme, rural watchmen and their families will be eligible for medical treatment in case of illness, along with benefits in the event of accidents or disability.

Saini also announced that every rural watchman would be covered under the Haryana Labour Welfare Fund.

This would enable them to receive financial assistance under various welfare schemes for their children's education and marriage, besides other family-related requirements.

The Chief Minister directed that all eligible watchmen be registered under both schemes without delay.

District- and block-level officials have been instructed to personally monitor the registration process to ensure beneficiaries do not have to repeatedly visit government offices.

𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝟳𝘁𝗵

Saini instructed officials to ensure that the enhanced monthly honorarium was credited directly to the bank accounts of rural watchmen before the seventh day of every month.

He said the additional expenditure of approximately Rs 27 crore annually should be viewed as an investment in village security rather than merely a financial burden.

The Chief Minister emphasised that rural watchmen play a vital role in safeguarding villages and supporting local communities.

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

𝗖𝗠 𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲

Interacting with rural watchmen, Saini urged them to become active partners in the state's campaign against drug abuse.

He said drug addiction was destroying families and jeopardising the future of young people, and called upon watchmen to report suspected drug trafficking activities without fear.

"You know the streets and people of your villages. If anyone is involved in selling drugs, report the matter without fear," he said.

The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of protecting women, girls and senior citizens in rural areas.

He urged watchmen to assist school-going girls, women working in agricultural fields and elderly residents living alone whenever they required support.

Saini said rural watchmen should discharge their responsibilities with sensitivity and commitment while contributing to the safety and welfare of village communities.