Centre Government On The Financial Benefits For ASHA Workers
The Centre has reiterated its commitment to supporting Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) by providing financial and technical assistance to state governments under the National Health Mission (NHM). Responding to concerns over their workload, inadequate compensation, delayed payments, and lack of recognition, the Union Government outlined several initiatives aimed at improving the working conditions and financial benefits of ASHA workers.
Under the NHM, ASHAs receive a fixed monthly incentive of Rs. 2000 for routine and recurring activities, in addition to performance-based incentives for various health programmes. In September 2022, the government approved additional incentives to supplement their earnings. Moreover, ASHAs now qualify for Team-Based Incentives (TBIs) alongside Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) under the Ayushman Arogya Mandir scheme, allowing them to earn up to Rs. 1000 extra per month based on performance indicators.
Beyond monetary compensation, ASHAs are entitled to non-monetary incentives such as uniforms, identity cards, bicycles, mobile phones, CUG SIM cards, diaries, drug kits, and designated restrooms. To acknowledge their contribution, a one-time cash award of Rs. 20,000 is granted to ASHAs who have served for at least 10 years before leaving the programme.
In 2018, the government introduced an ASHA benefit package, ensuring insurance coverage under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Beema Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Beema Yojana (PMSBY). These schemes provide Rs. 2 lakh in case of death or permanent disability and Rs. 1 lakh for partial disability, with the premiums covered by the government. Additionally, ASHAs are enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan Dhan (PM-SYM) scheme, offering a pension of Rs. 3000 per month post-retirement, with the government contributing 50% of the premium. Furthermore, ASHAs benefit from a Rs. 5 lakh annual health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
State governments also provide additional financial support to ASHAs. For instance, states such as Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim offer substantial top-up incentives, with Sikkim recently increasing its fixed honorarium from Rs. 6000 to Rs. 10,000 per month. Kerala provides a monthly honorarium of Rs. 6000, while Karnataka grants Rs. 5000 per month. Gujarat offers a 50% top-up on total incentives and a fixed Rs. 2500 per month, while Haryana ensures Rs. 4000 per month, along with a 50% top-up for specific performance-linked tasks. Similarly, West Bengal provides a monthly fixed honorarium of Rs. 4500 for rural ASHAs, and Telangana offers Rs. 6750 per month. In Delhi, ASHAs receive a core incentive of Rs. 3000 per month, in addition to performance-based earnings.
Over the past three years, the government has sanctioned significant funds to states to support ASHA workers. Uttar Pradesh received the highest allocations, with Rs. 82,647.44 lakh in 2021-22, Rs. 70,868.01 lakh in 2022-23, and Rs. 79,903.76 lakh in 2023-24. Bihar saw a sharp increase in funding, from Rs. 8218.23 lakh in 2021-22 to Rs. 38,664.68 lakh in 2022-23, before slightly decreasing to Rs. 29,891.66 lakh in 2023-24. Maharashtra also received substantial funds, with Rs. 23,022.11 lakh in 2021-22, Rs. 27,286.40 lakh in 2022-23, and Rs. 28,297.11 lakh in 2023-24.
Other states receiving major allocations include Madhya Pradesh (Rs. 25,513.94 lakh in 2021-22, Rs. 25,995.87 lakh in 2022-23, and Rs. 26,763.81 lakh in 2023-24), Odisha (Rs. 17,151.27 lakh in 2021-22, Rs. 18,588.92 lakh in 2022-23, and Rs. 20,082.97 lakh in 2023-24), and Rajasthan (Rs. 16,414.77 lakh in 2021-22, Rs. 16,580.02 lakh in 2022-23, and Rs. 16,641.58 lakh in 2023-24).
The Centre, according to the minister, continues to work closely with state governments to ensure that ASHAs receive timely payments and adequate compensation. While the primary responsibility for their welfare lies with the respective states, the ministry said that the Union Government remains committed to providing financial and policy support to enhance their working conditions and ensure their crucial role in public healthcare is recognised and rewarded appropriately.
