UP Government Increases Honorarium for Shikshamitras and Anudeshaks From April 1

In a major administrative decision, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a substantial increase in the monthly honorarium for Shikshamitras and Anudeshaks. Speaking during the budget session in the Legislative Council, the Chief Minister responded to the motion of thanks on the Governor's address by outlining the government's plan to enhance the financial status of education volunteers. According to the official announcement, the honorarium for Shikshamitras has been raised from ₹10,000 to ₹18,000 per month. Similarly, Anudeshaks will now receive ₹17,000 per month. These revised rates are scheduled to come into effect from April 1.

Details of the Revised Honorarium Structure

The decision to increase the honorarium is aimed at providing better financial stability to those working at the grassroots level of the state's education system. The hike for Shikshamitras represents an increase of ₹8,000 from their previous monthly remuneration. For Anudeshaks, the new figure of ₹17,000 marks a significant jump in their monthly earnings. The Chief Minister stated that the government has carefully considered the demands and the cost of living while finalizing these figures. The implementation will be monitored by the Basic Education Department to ensure timely disbursement starting from the next financial cycle.

Historical Context and Comparative Remuneration

During his address, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath compared the current government's measures with those of previous administrations. He noted that during the Samajwadi Party's tenure, Shikshamitras and Anudeshaks were paid a meager ₹3,000 per month. After the BJP government took office in 2017, this amount was initially increased to ₹10,000. The latest revision to ₹18,000 is presented as a continuation of the government's policy to improve the welfare of contractual and volunteer staff in the education sector. The Chief Minister emphasized that the government remains committed to the welfare of all state employees and volunteers.

Beneficiary Demographics and Impact

The move is set to impact a large workforce within the state. 42 lakh Shikshamitras and over 28,000 Anudeshaks serving in various primary and upper primary schools across Uttar Pradesh. Shikshamitras are generally paid for 11 months in an academic year. 70 lakh families are expected to benefit directly. The increase in disposable income for such a large group is also expected to have a positive socio-economic impact in rural and semi-urban areas where most of these workers are stationed.

Expansion of Social Security Benefits

Beyond the education sector, the Chief Minister also announced enhancements in other social welfare schemes. He confirmed that the honorarium for Anganwadi workers and Asha workers would also see an upward revision. Plus, the state government has decided to increase the pension amounts for destitute women and persons with disabilities (Divyangjan). These measures are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the social safety net for vulnerable groups and frontline workers who facilitate the delivery of government services at the village and block levels.

Legal Background and Past Adjustments

The status of Shikshamitras has been a subject of legal and political debate for over a decade. In 2014-15, the then Samajwadi Party government had regularized Shikshamitras, granting them a salary scale equivalent to assistant teachers. However, this regularization was subsequently quashed by the Supreme Court of India, leading to their reversion to contractual status with a fixed honorarium. Since then, the state government has been adjusting the honorarium periodically. The current hike to ₹18,000 is seen as a significant step in addressing the long-standing financial grievances of this group within the existing legal framework.