Chandrababu Naidu announces 3,000 honorarium to Asha workers

Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced several sops to Asha workers which includes monthly honorarium of Rs 3000. The honorarium will be given on the first of every month, from next month onwards, the Chief Minister said.

In addition to that, he said that he will ensure additional income of Rs 3000 as special benefits for best performance.  Smart phones would be distributed to Asha workers. 

The government will have to spend more than Rs 312 crore for Asha workers to implement these benefits. Interacting with Asha workers at Grievance hall here on Friday, the Chief Minister said Asha workers were playing key role in the distribution of nutritious food to the poor.

He said Asha workers are helping Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANMs) in implementing several health programmes. The government has decided to give priority for Asha workers while appointing ANMs, he said.

The Chief Minister said no other state paying fixed salary to Asha workers. The monthly payment of honorarium costs exchequer Rs 156 crore.
 Principal Secretary of Health Poonam Malakondaiah said 43,000 Asha workers are working in the state.