MP: Kotwar's honorarium raised

Bhopal, June 23: Increase in honorarium, allotment of service land and provision for bicycle, uniform, torch and shoes were among a slew of facilities announced for Kotwars across Madhya Pradesh.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the bonanza at the state-level Kotwar Panchayat organised at his official residence here yesterday.

Kotwars constitute the lowest rung of government machinery posted in villages and they were provided nominal honorarium, besides service land (sewa bhoomi) to earn their livelihood.

The Chief Minister announced that Kotwars who did not possess sewa bhoomi will be given honorarium of Rs 1500 per month as against Rs 1000 at present. The honorarium was raised by Rs 75 to Rs 500 depending on the sewa bhoomi held by them with minimum of Rs 375 and maximum of Rs 1500.

Purchase of bicycles, uniform, torches and shoes will entail additional burden of more than Rs 11 crore on the state exchequer.

Stating that the role of Kotwars was significant, Mr Chouhan said Kotwars would be posted in each village and appointment on compassionate ground would be given to a kin of the Kotwars.

He said Kotwar post in villages in urban areas would be continued and later the sewa bhoomi would be included in the government land.

Remuneration for extra work like election duty would be paid, he added.

UNI