Bhubaneswar, Oct 18 (IANS): Ahead of Diwali, the Odisha government on Tuesday announced a hike in the monthly remuneration of agitating Anganwadi workers.

The announcement of the hike of the honorarium came after the agitating workers met Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the State Secretariat here.

The salary of the Anganwadi workers has been enhanced to Rs 6,000 per month, salary of Mini-Anganwadi workers increased to Rs 4,125 and Rs 3,000 for the helpers.

"My government has always kept the interest of Anganwadi workers, helpers and Mini-Anganwadi workers as priority. They have a significant role in care and protection of women and children," said the Chief Minister.

He said they shall also come under insurance coverage for health, life, disability, scholarship.

The state government shall bear the premium cost, he added.

The Chief Minister also said the Anganwadi workers, Mini-Anganwadi workers, Anganwadi helpers shall be covered under the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.