With the 2026 Assembly Elections on the horizon, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has unveiled its manifesto with a massive focus on social welfare. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a significant hike in the monthly honorarium for thousands of Anganwadi and ASHA workers across West Bengal. According to the manifesto released on March 20, their salaries will see an additional increase of ₹1,000 effective from April 1, 2026.

Following this revision, the monthly pay for Anganwadi workers will jump from ₹9,000 to ₹10,000, while the salary for Anganwadi helpers will rise from ₹6,500 to ₹7,500. This follows a steady upward trend in wages over the last two years, providing substantial financial relief to frontline health and nutrition workers who play a vital role in rural and urban healthcare.

Beyond the paycheck, the TMC has promised enhanced social security. The manifesto includes 180 days of maternity leave for Anganwadi and ASHA staff—a long-standing demand. Furthermore, the government has pledged a ₹5 lakh one-time financial grant to the families of workers who pass away before the age of 60. While the opposition remains skeptical about the implementation, analysts suggest that this targeted move towards the woman workforce could be a decisive factor in the upcoming high-stakes electoral battle.