NEW DELHI: The Delhi Cabinet approved the proposal to double the incentives for Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers, with the core incentive now being doubled from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000 per month. Similarly, in all other categories, the incentive has been doubled. The Delhi Cabinet in its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal approved the Department of Health's proposal for enhancement of ASHA incentives under ASHA scheme.
Apart from the core incentive, added incentives in different identified categories have also been doubled. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in Delhi AssemblyVijender Gupta said that the promises of the government included an increase of core incentive to Rs 3,000 per month, doubling of incentive for each medical service such as immunization, delivery, etc, distribution of uniform twice a year and Rs 100 per month for photostat. But the government has failed to implement these demands. This is a gross injustice to the workers who are playing a great role in bridging the gap between the deprived women and children and health services in rural and far-flung areas. The previous financial enhancement for ASHA workers was provided in February 2016 and the Cabinet approved the need for further enhancement given the increase in the cost of living.
In order to support ASHAs during pregnancy, it has been decided to provide them a maternity benefit of Rs 2,000/ month for six months during the perinatal period. Delhi has been the first state to take up ASHA initiative in an urban setting on a large scale.