- Bihar government increases ASHA workers’ honorarium from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000.
- Incentives for Mamta workers doubled from Rs 300 to Rs 600 per childbirth delivery.
- Additional social welfare measures announced ahead of upcoming assembly elections.
Bihar’s recent announcement under the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) Scheme gives a much-needed boost to rural healthcare workers. With a 3x pay rise for ASHA workers and doubled incentives for Mamta workers, the state aims to strengthen health services, especially maternal care, across rural areas. These steps are part of wider social welfare efforts made just before Bihar’s assembly elections, showing a commitment to support frontline healthcare workers and improve community well-being.
Bihar’s 3x Pay Rise for ASHA Workers
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recently announced a big increase in the honorarium of ASHA workers from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000. This tripling of pay recognizes the important contributions these workers make in improving healthcare services in Bihar’s rural areas. ASHA workers are the backbone of community health, connecting villages with healthcare facilities.
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Raising Mamta Workers’ Incentives in Bihar
Along with the ASHA pay increase, incentives for Mamta workers have also been doubled. The state raised the payment from Rs 300 to Rs 600 per childbirth delivery. Since they focus on maternal and child health, this higher incentive will encourage better care and timely help during childbirth, which is key to improving health outcomes for mothers and babies.
Role of ASHA and Mamta Workers in Rural Healthcare
ASHA and Mamta workers play vital roles in Bihar’s rural health system. ASHA workers provide first-hand health education, support immunization drives, and help raise awareness about sanitation. Mamta workers mainly assist mothers and newborns, focusing on care before and after birth. Together, they build a solid base for better health across villages, especially where medical facilities are limited.
Also Read – Bihar Boosts ASHA and Mamta Worker Incentives; Announces Free Power Scheme
How the Pay Rise Will Motivate and Support Healthcare Workers
Increasing the honorarium and incentives for ASHA and Mamta workers not only rewards their hard work but also lifts their spirits. With better financial support, these workers can continue their efforts, spend more time on community health, and feel more confident. This can lead to better healthcare delivery, improved tracking of health data, and stronger trust from communities in health programs.
More Social Welfare Programs Announced by Bihar Government
Besides healthcare incentives, the Bihar government has introduced several social welfare programs. These include a rise in pensions for accredited journalists under the Bihar Patrakaar Samman Pension Scheme and a new domicile policy that limits the 35% women reservation in government jobs to permanent residents only. The government also introduced 125 units of free electricity for domestic users and approved the creation of the State Sanitation Workers Commission to protect sanitation workers’ rights and welfare.
Upcoming Assembly Elections and the Impact of Welfare Schemes
The Bihar assembly elections scheduled for the end of 2025 provide an important backdrop to these welfare announcements. Strengthening social programs and recognizing key workers like ASHA and Mamta show a political plan that values grassroots health and social security. These moves can positively influence voters by directly addressing the needs of rural communities.
For more information about Bihar government’s health and social welfare schemes, you can visit the official state portal: https://state.bihar.gov.in.