Union Health Minister P. Nadda Makes Improved Pay for ASHA Workers Announce

In the current Budget Session at New Delhi, Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda told the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (March 11, 2025) that Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) would get increased remuneration. This news comes at the right moment since there has been increasing demand across the nation for increased salaries for ASHA workers, who play a crucial role in the government’s outreach efforts to combat infant and maternal mortality.

ASHAs, quite literally the lifeblood of rural public health system, are playing a crucial part in enhancing the public health due to their on-ground efforts. They have ensured that the basic health indicators such as maternal death, infant deaths, and child deaths under age five have diminished. There is a universal appeal to raise their salaries, which these workers, despite their key role in maintaining the basic healthcare services, are still performing especially in remote areas and far-off places.

Mission Steering Group Recommendation

The move comes after a recommendation last week by the Mission Steering Group, the topmost policy-making authority under the National Health Mission. The group had suggested increasing the incentives for ASHA workers, which the government has now decided to do. Nadda confirmed this in the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, where he lauded the pivotal role of ASHA workers.

“ASHAs are doing a very good job and have my full appreciation,” said Minister Nadda. “Their efforts at the grassroots level have helped reduce maternal mortality, Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), and under-five mortality rate levels.” This recognition underscores the importance of ASHA workers in advancing public health initiatives and the government’s commitment to supporting them.

Concerns Regarding Dues to Kerala Government

Replying to another query regarding the outstanding dues payable to the Kerala government by the Union Health Ministry, Nadda explained that the government had already disbursed its portion of the money. But the payment to the ASHA workers and the Kerala government was delayed since the state did not give utilization certification. He promised that as soon as the certification was obtained, the amount would be released to the ASHA workers and the state immediately.

“The instant when the certification arrives. the amount to the ASHA workers and to the State of Kerala would be released accordingly,” Nadda said. His statement was made amidst opposition brouhaha in Parliament.

Congress MPs Protest for Higher Honorarium and Retirement Benefits

Meanwhile, Kerala MPs in the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) organized a protest in Parliament. They demanded an increase in the honorarium of ASHA workers to ₹21,000 and giving them ₹5 lakh as retirement pay. This protest reflects the increasing demands for better pay and rewards for ASHA workers, who have long been fighting for enhanced compensation for their vital work in public health.

The call for an increased honorarium is a response to the growing acknowledgment of ASHA workers as a critical component of India’s healthcare system. Their contribution in decreasing infant and maternal mortality is key to fulfilling the government’s overall health targets. The decision by the government to proceed with proposals to improve their pay package is a good move in a bid to reward their diligence and dedication to the cause of public health.

With developments in the situation, ASHA workers and their representatives expect these to translate into long-overdue increases in their salaries and benefits, allowing them to continue their critical work without economic burden.