Bihar: Nitish Kumar Announces 3x Pay Hike for ASHA Workers; Mamata Scheme Incentives Doubled

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, on Wednesday, announced a significant increase in the honorarium for ASHA and Mamata workers, recognizing their vital role in enhancing healthcare services in rural areas of the state. The incentive for ASHA workers will be tripled from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000, while Mamata workers will now receive ₹600 per childbirth delivery, up from ₹300. This decision is part of a broader effort to improve public health services and acknowledge the crucial work these grassroots healthcare workers have performed, especially since Nitish Kumar first came to power in November 2005.

In his social media post on X (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister emphasized that these frontline workers have played a pivotal role in strengthening healthcare in the rural landscape of Bihar. The increased honorarium, he noted, is a way to boost their morale and ensure continued commitment to public service.

These announcements come in the backdrop of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections slated for later this year. As part of a wider social welfare push, the Nitish Kumar-led government has also rolled out several other key initiatives to enhance social support systems and public services across the state.

In another major step, the Bihar government recently increased the pension amount for accredited journalists under the "Bihar Patrakaar Samman Pension Scheme." This move is aimed at recognizing the contribution of journalists in strengthening democracy and ensuring their financial security post-retirement.

Furthermore, the state cabinet has approved a new domicile policy that limits the 35% reservation for women in government jobs to only permanent residents of Bihar. This decision is seen as a way to prioritize employment opportunities for native residents while maintaining the state’s affirmative action policies for women.

In a move to support domestic households, the government has introduced a scheme to provide 125 units of free electricity per month to domestic consumers. This is expected to reduce the financial burden on lower- and middle-income families, especially in rural areas where electricity costs can be a concern.

Additionally, in a significant decision aimed at the welfare of sanitation workers, the Bihar government has approved the formation of the "State Sanitation Workers Commission." This body will be responsible for safeguarding the rights of sanitation workers across the state. It will focus on their welfare, rehabilitation, empowerment, and ensure they receive the benefits of various government schemes and social protections.

The cumulative announcements underscore Nitish Kumar’s efforts to position his government as pro-welfare and people-centric in the lead-up to the elections. The focus on healthcare, media, electricity, employment, and sanitation reflects a comprehensive strategy to strengthen grassroots governance, uplift underserved communities, and improve overall quality of life in Bihar.