Image Credit: X account @NitishKumar
Bihar Triples ASHA Pay, Doubles Mamta Incentives Ahead of Polls
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a threefold increase in honorarium for ASHA workers—from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per month—and doubled incentives for Mamta health workers from ₹300 to ₹600 per delivery. These moves recognize the essential role these workers play in boosting rural healthcare and were announced just ahead of the state assembly elections.
Government Aims to Raise Worker Morale
Nitish Kumar emphasized that ASHA and Mamta workers are vital to public health in villages and deserve fair compensation. The increased payments are expected to uplift worker morale, provide financial security, and improve delivery of health services in rural areas.
Context: Election-Year Welfare Push
With state elections approaching later this year, the timing of the pay hike suggests a strategic move to strengthen public welfare visibility. Earlier, Kumar also raised social security pensions and journalist pensions, expanded electricity benefits, and promised infrastructure investments—suggesting a broader campaign focused on social welfare.
Scope Meets Worker Numbers
Bihar has over 90,000 ASHA workers and around 7,500 Mamta workers, who assist in maternity care at government hospitals. The larger honorarium and delivery incentives will directly benefit a wide network of frontline workers across the state.
Wider Impact Expected
Health activists and observers say this move may set a benchmark for other states to follow. It may also spur increased commitment from workers who have often faced low pay, difficult conditions, and delayed payments in the past. State officials said the new pay will be disbursed monthly and reflect in timely worker earnings accounts.
