JAIPUR — The Rajasthan government completed the transfer of ₹1,000 to each of the state's 1.22 lakh Anganwadi workers this week, marking the successful conclusion of an 11-month inter-departmental consultation process to identify the most efficient payment delivery system. The Chief Minister announced the achievement at a press conference, noting that the workers had been provided smartphones several months earlier specifically to facilitate receipt of the payment.

Officials said the ₹122 crore disbursement demonstrated the government's commitment to utilizing technology for transparent fund transfers. "The workers can now purchase essentials or recharge their government-issued smartphones, which require data connectivity to receive future payment notifications," said a senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity. He added that the smartphones had been distributed in January but required workers to first complete a seven-module online training course on smartphone usage, accessible only via smartphone.

The Chief Minister highlighted that children aged three to six years were receiving hot milk five days a week at Anganwadi centres under the Amrit Aahar Yojana, though he did not specify which five days or whether the schedule was consecutive. Sources familiar with the scheme said milk distribution had been temporarily suspended at 4,200 centres pending the arrival of milk, which was being procured through a tender process initiated in August. The tender evaluation committee is expected to submit its recommendations to the approval committee, which will forward them to the implementation committee, officials said.

"We are renovating Anganwadi buildings across the state," the Chief Minister said, referring to a ₹450 crore allocation announced in the previous budget. Records show ₹12 crore has been released so far, with ₹8 crore spent on feasibility studies and architectural consultations. The renovation work is scheduled to begin in a phased manner, with Phase 1 covering 200 centres currently being used for other government programs. Officials said the centres would be vacated once alternative arrangements were finalized, pending identification of suitable alternative locations.

The ₹1,000 payment was originally announced as an "interim support measure" in February, with officials stating at the time that a revised honorarium structure was under consideration. When asked about the revised structure, the Chief Minister said a committee had been formed in April to study honorarium models in other states. "The committee has submitted its report," he said, adding that the report was being examined by a review committee to determine whether its recommendations required further study.

"This payment reflects our deep appreciation for Anganwadi workers," said a government spokesperson, reading from prepared remarks. "The amount of ₹1,000 was carefully calculated based on various factors, which are detailed in a report that is currently being compiled." She confirmed that workers would continue to receive their regular monthly honorarium of ₹4,500, which had been increased from ₹4,000 in 2019 following a three-year study on the adequacy of the previous increase from ₹3,500 in 2016.