In a major relief for over 57,000 Panchayat Sahayaks across Uttar Pradesh, the state government has announced a 50% increase in their monthly honorarium. Following discussions between Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the protesting employees’ representatives, Panchayati Raj Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar officially announced the decision on Wednesday.
The monthly pay, which was previously ₹6,000, has now been increased to ₹9,000. Alongside the pay hike, the government has introduced several crucial benefits regarding job security, healthcare, and workplace rights.
Key Decisions and New Benefits:
- Direct Bank Transfers (DBT): The increased honorarium of ₹9,000 will no longer be distributed arbitrarily; it will be credited directly into the bank accounts of the Panchayat Sahayaks via DBT.
- Enhanced Job Security: Gram Pradhans (Village Heads) and Panchayat Secretaries can no longer unilaterally terminate a Panchayat Sahayak. Any decision regarding termination will now require approval from a designated committee headed by the District Magistrate (DM).
- Maternity Leave & Healthcare: Female Panchayat Sahayaks will now be entitled to official maternity leave. Additionally, a cashless medical treatment facility will be rolled out for all Sahayaks.
- Relief for Protesters: The government has agreed to withdraw all legal cases registered against the Panchayat Sahayaks during their recent agitation. Furthermore, any employees who were terminated due to their participation in the protests will be reinstated.
Background of the Protest: The announcement comes after days of intense protests by Panchayat Sahayaks at the Eco Garden in Lucknow. The workers argued that they single-handedly managed digital portals and essential administrative tasks at the village level, yet were severely underpaid, calling their ₹6,000 salary “worse than daily wage labor.” While their initial demand was a minimum wage of ₹30,000 per month, the current ₹3,000 hike and added job security measures have brought an end to the standoff.
