Kolkata, July 10 -- The Suvendu Adhikari government has hiked the honorarium for ASHA workers from Rs 6,250 to Rs 11,250, with effect from August 1 this year. The hike follows prolonged demands and protests by ASHA workers in the state. In January, the ASHA workers from the state staged a protest in front of the Swasthya Bhawan in Salt Lake to press for their demands, including a hike in the allowances.
The decision was approved by the Governor and issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department.
According to a memorandum issued by the health department, the issue of enhancement of the monthly fixed honorarium for ASHAs had been under the active consideration of the BJP government for some time after it came to power.
"The Governor is hereby pleased to accord approval and sanction for an increase of the monthly fixed honorarium of ASHAs from Rs 6,250 to Rs 11,250 with effect from August 1, 2026, in addition to their monthly performance-based incentive from NHM fund," the memorandum stated.
It further stated that the order was issued with the concurrence of the State Finance Department, referring to an order dated July 8, and that the necessary funds would be released in due course.
The revised monthly pay for Anganwadi Workers has been fixed at Rs 14,000, while Anganwadi Helpers will receive Rs 11,800.
BJP leader Debjit Sarkar, during a press conference, welcomed the move taken by the state government.
He said that the BJP in its election manifesto had promised that the honorarium of the ASHA workers would be increased. He also alleged that during the previous Trinamool Congress regime, damage occurred on various fronts.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.