Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has announced an increase in the monthly honorarium of rural chowkidars from Rs 11,000 to Rs 15,221, along with higher allowances and new social security benefits. The announcements were made at a state-level Rural Chowkidar Samman Samaroh in Panchkula on November 6.
The revised honorarium will give each rural chowkidar an additional Rs 4,221 per month, translating into an annual increase of more than Rs 50,000. Saini said all the announced benefits would come into effect immediately.
The state government will spend approximately Rs 27 crore annually on the measures, according to the chief minister.
Uniform, Equipment And Bicycle Allowances Increased
Saini also announced increases in three annual allowances for rural chowkidars:
- Uniform allowance: Increased from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000.
- Equipment allowance: Increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 for items such as a stick, battery, whistle and umbrella.
- Bicycle allowance: Increased from Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,000.
The government has also extended Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) benefits to rural chowkidars for the first time, on the lines of benefits available to water workers and sanitation workers. The coverage is intended to provide medical assistance to them and their families, as well as support in cases of accidents or disability.
Chowkidars will also come under the Haryana Labour Welfare Fund, making them eligible for assistance under government schemes for needs such as children’s education, marriage and family support.
CM Directs Officials To Ensure Timely Payments
The chief minister said he had directed officials to issue notifications for the decisions at the earliest. He also instructed the department to ensure that the revised monthly honorarium reaches chowkidars’ bank accounts before the seventh of every month.
Officials have been asked to complete their registration under ESI and the Labour Welfare Fund without delay. District- and block-level officers will personally monitor the process, Saini said, adding that chowkidars should not have to visit government offices repeatedly to claim their benefits.
Chowkidars Asked To Help Fight Drug Abuse
Addressing the rural chowkidars, Saini urged them to support the government’s campaign against drug abuse by sharing information about drug trafficking in their villages.
He also asked them to prioritise the safety of girls and elderly residents, particularly those who may need assistance while travelling, working in fields or living alone.
The chief minister further stressed the importance of entering accurate and timely information on the Parivar Pehchan Patra portal, saying correct records could help eligible families receive government benefits without delay.
Saini Highlights Earlier Welfare Measures
Saini recalled that the monthly honorarium for rural chowkidars was Rs 3,500 in 2014. It was raised to Rs 7,000 in September 2018 and then to Rs 11,000 in February 2024, before the latest increase.
He also cited other measures introduced for chowkidars, including provident fund benefits, Rs 2 lakh in assistance on retirement, an opportunity for eligible personnel to continue working until the age of 65, and coverage of their families under the Dayalu scheme.
Development and Panchayats Minister Krishan Lal Panwar thanked the chief minister for the announcements. He described rural chowkidars as an important part of the village-level administrative system, responsible for informing the police and relevant departments about incidents in their areas.
The event was attended by Haryana Assembly Deputy Speaker Dr Krishna Middha, other officials and public representatives.
