Major Announcement by Punjab Government: Anganwadi Workers to Get Life Insurance of Up to ₹60 Lakh

August 14, 2026

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has taken a significant decision regarding Anganwadi workers. The government will now arrange life insurance for these employees. Preparations are underway to provide them with life insurance coverage of at least ₹60 lakh through various banks. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has issued the necessary instructions to the concerned officials in this regard.

Insurance Coverage Through Bank Collaboration

During a meeting with officials from the Social Security Department, the Finance Minister stated that life insurance coverage of at least ₹60 lakh should be provided to the employees in collaboration with the banks that disburse their honorariums. The government’s objective is to ensure financial security for the employees and safeguard their interests.

Assurance to Resolve Employee Issues

Harpal Singh Cheema stated that the Punjab government is committed to resolving the administrative and financial issues faced by employees promptly through dialogue and mutual consensus. He also directed officials to expedite the process of resolving pending matters.

Meetings with Various Employee Organizations

As the chairperson of the cabinet sub-committee, the Finance Minister held separate meetings with representatives from various employee organizations. During these meetings, five unions from the Education Department, two unions of Anganwadi workers, and one union of outsourced employees presented their demands to the government.

The Finance Minister remarked that the Punjab government is fully aware of the employees’ issues and that action on most legitimate demands is already underway at the administrative level. He assured that these processes would be completed swiftly to provide early relief to the employees. Education Department Unions Present Their Demands

During the meeting, representatives from the Unemployed B.Ed.-TET Qualified Teachers Union, Unemployed PSTET Qualified Art and Craft Struggle Union, Reinstated Contractual Teachers Union, SSA/MDM Non-Teaching Employees Union Punjab, and the Unaided Staff of Aided Schools Front submitted memoranda to the Punjab government regarding various demands concerning job security, recruitment, and service conditions.

Most Unions Demand an Increase in Honorarium

During the meeting, the Anganwadi Employees Union Punjab (CITU) and the Militant Anganwadi Worker/Helper Union Punjab raised the demand for an increase in the honorarium of Anganwadi staff. The unions stated that, given the rising cost of living, there should be a reasonable hike in the employees’ honorarium.

Outsourced Employees Also Raise Demands

The Enlistment-Outsourced Coordination Committee demanded that the Punjab government include outsourced employees in the proposed 2026 Personnel Bills. Additionally, demands were placed before the government to ensure post-retirement benefits and to implement a minimum fixed salary.