Government new schemes and benefits for supporting ASHA workers

The primary responsibility for strengthening the public health system and supporting ASHA workers lies with the respective state and Union Territory governments. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provides technical and financial assistance to strengthen the public health system based on the needs presented by states/Union Territories under their Program Implementation Plans (PIP) and the overall resource allocation.

Incentives and Benefits for ASHA Workers:

ASHA workers are provided a fixed incentive of ₹2000 per month for regular activities. Additionally, performance-based incentives are given for various activities under national health programs. In September 2022, the government announced additional incentives for ASHA workers. State and Union Territory governments also provide additional benefits beyond the incentives provided by the central government.

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New Support Schemes for ASHA Workers:

After the launch of the Ayushman Aarogya Mandir, ASHA workers now also benefit from Team-Based Incentives (TBI) along with Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM), receiving ₹1000 per month. Moreover, ASHA workers are provided with non-financial benefits such as uniforms, identity cards, bicycles, mobile phones, CUG SIM cards, ASHA diaries, medicine kits, and rest rooms. The government has also approved a cash reward of ₹20,000 and a certificate of appreciation for ASHA workers completing 10 years of service and leaving the program.

ASHA Worker Benefits Package: In recognition of their contributions, the government launched the ASHA Benefits Package in 2018, offering the following benefits.

1. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): ₹2 lakh insurance coverage in case of the ASHA worker’s death (annual premium borne by the Government of India).
2. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): ₹2 lakh for accidental death or permanent disability and ₹1 lakh for partial disability (annual premium borne by the Government of India).
3. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan (PM-SYM): ₹3000 monthly pension after the age of 60 (50% premium paid by the government and 50% by the beneficiary).

Health Coverage under Ayushman Bharat Scheme: The 2024-25 interim budget speech, the Honorable Finance Minister announced that ASHA workers will be provided with ₹5 lakh annual health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This information was shared by the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, in a written response in the Lok Sabha.

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