New Delhi, Feb 28 (IANS) Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, in his budget speech Monday, announced a hike in wages for the Anganwadi workers and helpers, meeting their long due demand.

‘I am happy to announce an increase in the renumeration of the Anganwadi workers from Rs.1,500 per month to Rs.3,000 per month and for the Anganwadi helpers from Rs.750 per month to Rs.1,500 per month,’ Mukherjee informed the Lok Sabha while presenting the budget for 2011-12.

‘This will be effective from this year 1st April. Around 22 lakh Anganwadi workers and helpers will benefit from this increase,’ he added.