As the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 are approaching, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is continuously making many big announcements to empower every section of society. In this episode, he has taken a historic decision for ASHA and Mamta workers, who are considered the backbone of health services in rural Bihar.
The Chief Minister has announced through a post on ‘X’ (earlier Twitter) that the incentive amount of ASHA workers has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000. At the same time, Mamta workers will now get an incentive of Rs 600 instead of Rs 300 per delivery. This step will not only boost the morale of these dedicated workers but will also give a new strength to the rural health system of the state.
Incomparable contribution of ASHA and Mamta in health services
Since the formation of the government in November 2005, extensive work has been done to improve health services in Bihar. Our ASHA and Mamta workers have played the most important role in this. These are the soldiers who go from village to village and provide health facilities to the common people.
Asha worker:-
They work under the ‘National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)’. There is a provision to appoint one Asha worker for every 1000 rural population, so that effective health services can be provided in rural areas. Their main job is to facilitate access to health services, make communities aware of health rights and entitlements, and provide community care at the primary level. They provide important services like vaccination, maternal and child health, family planning, prevention of infectious diseases, and first aid for common diseases.
Mamta worker:-
These are health workers appointed on contract in the maternity ward of government hospitals. Their main job is to take care of newborn babies and their mothers. Their primary responsibility is to take care of the health of the mother and child during and after delivery.
Both these workers have made an unprecedented contribution to strengthening health services in rural areas. It is their tireless efforts that have helped in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
How much honorarium has increased
The government has significantly increased the honorarium of Asha and Mamta workers, accepting their long-standing demands. Asha workers used to get an incentive of Rs 1,000, which has now been increased three times to Rs 3,000. This increase is a great tribute to their hard work and dedication. Mamta workers used to get an incentive of Rs 300 per delivery, which has now been doubled to Rs 600 per delivery. This increase will directly have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of workers and will motivate them to work with more enthusiasm.
Electoral importance of government announcements
This announcement has come at a time when assembly elections are going to be held in Bihar in a few months (Bihar Elections 2025). Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is constantly making announcements that will woo the public. After decisions like reserving seats for women in buses, this decision to increase the honorarium of Asha and Mamta workers is also a big public relations opportunity for the government. It shows that the government understands the importance of these workers working at the grassroots level and recognizes their contribution.