ASHA, Mamta workers just got a big boost in Bihar; here's what’s Nitish Kumar has announced

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday announced a substantial increase in incentives for ASHA and Mamta workers ahead of the assembly elections.

“Since the formation of the government in November 2005, we have worked extensively to improve health services. ASHA and Mamta workers have played a significant role in enhancing health services in rural areas,” Kumar posted on X in Hindi.

“Keeping this in mind and honouring the important contribution of ASHA and Mamta workers in strengthening health services in rural areas, a decision has been made to increase their honorarium.”

Under the revised structure, ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers will now receive ₹3,000 per month as an incentive, up from ₹1,000.

Mamta workers – contractual health activists who work in maternity wards of government hospitals to provide care and support to newborns and their mothers – will be paid ₹600 per delivery, doubling the earlier amount of ₹300.

Kumar said that the move "will further boost their morale and strengthen health services in rural areas."

It is the latest in a series of welfare-focused announcements by the Bihar government in recent weeks. Earlier this month, Kumar declared that domestic consumers would receive 125 units of free electricity from August 1, benefitting over 1.67 crore families.

In June, the government raised pensions from ₹400 to ₹1,100 per month for the elderly, differently-abled individuals and widows under the Social Security Pension Scheme, impacting more than 1.09 crore beneficiaries.

The pension for retired journalists under the 'Bihar Patrakar Samman' scheme was increased from ₹6,000 to ₹15,000 per month, with dependents of deceased journalists now eligible for ₹10,000 monthly pension, up from ₹3,000.

The string of welfare measures is being seen as part of the ruling government’s outreach to key sections of society ahead of the assembly polls later this year.