A Step of Gratitude Toward Grassroots Heroes ASHA and Mamta
In the quiet corners of rural Bihar, where hospitals are few and doctors scarcer, ASHA and Mamta workers have been the lifeline of the healthcare system. Their work isn’t just about vaccinations or childbirth assistance—it’s about hope, care, and resilience. And finally, after years of tireless service, their contributions have been recognized with a meaningful gesture.
नवम्बर 2005 में सरकार बनने के बाद से हमलोगों ने स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं को बेहतर बनाने के लिए बड़े पैमाने पर काम किया है। ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं को बेहतर बनाने में आशा तथा ममता कार्यकर्ताओं ने महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई है। इसे ध्यान में रखते हुए तथा ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में…
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) July 30, 2025
In November 2005, the Bihar government took a vow to strengthen the state’s healthcare system. Now, in July 2025, it has taken a significant step forward by increasing the honorarium for ASHA and Mamta workers.
A Historic Boost in Honorarium
ASHA Workers to Receive ₹3,000 Instead of ₹1,000
The Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), often the first line of contact in rural health emergencies, will now receive a monthly incentive of ₹3,000, a major increase from the earlier ₹1,000. This move not only boosts their income but also honors their sacrifices, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
These women walk miles daily, educating families about hygiene, vaccinations, nutrition, and reproductive health. Their new stipend is a badge of acknowledgment for their irreplaceable presence in every village and block.
Mamta Workers’ Incentive Doubled per Delivery
Mamta workers, who assist expectant mothers and support safe deliveries, will now receive ₹600 per delivery, up from ₹300. Their work doesn’t end in the labor room—they counsel new mothers on breastfeeding, newborn care, and postnatal health. This doubling of delivery incentives will energize these workers, ensuring better maternal and child health outcomes in Bihar’s rural heartland.
Impact on Rural Healthcare: Beyond Numbers
Encouragement and Empowerment
This hike is not just financial—it’s emotional encouragement. Many ASHA and Mamta workers are themselves from modest backgrounds, juggling family responsibilities with their duties. This honorarium increase helps improve their financial stability, enhancing their motivation and self-worth.
Better Outreach, Stronger Villages
The decision will naturally lead to stronger health service outreach in rural areas. With better compensation, worker retention improves, and so does the quality of services delivered. From antenatal checkups to immunization drives, every initiative becomes more effective.
Voices from the Field of ASHA and Mamta
Sunita Devi, an ASHA worker from Nalanda district, says:
“We never worked for money, but this support makes us feel seen and valued. Now I can educate my daughter better while continuing my service.”
Rukmini Kumari, a Mamta worker in Gaya, adds:
“Handling deliveries is not easy. Sometimes we walk in the night to reach a woman in labor. This increased incentive will help me care for my family while serving others.”
These aren’t just testimonials—they are stories of strength, nurtured silently in the service of others.
The Bigger Picture: A Model for Other States
By increasing the honorarium, Bihar sets a powerful example for other Indian states. Grassroots healthcare workers form the backbone of India’s rural health mission. When their efforts are rewarded, the ripple effects touch entire communities, making health not just a service but a shared commitment.
This policy shift reflects the government’s broader vision—to make rural healthcare robust, accessible, and compassionate.
Final Thought: Respect for Those Who Heal from the Heart to ASHA and Mamta
While the world often celebrates doctors and scientists, it’s time we remember the silent warriors in sarees and slippers who knock on every door with advice, medicine, and empathy. ASHA and Mamta workers are not just employees—they are guardians of community health. This increase in honorarium is a step toward recognizing their humanity and heroism.
Let’s celebrate this decision and hope it inspires many more initiatives that put people and compassion at the heart of public policy.
