Channi fulfils ASHA workers hopes, announces fixed monthly allowance

Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in Punjab will now get a fixed monthly allowance of Rs 2,500 per month and the monthly allowance of the mid-day meal workers will be increased by Rs 800.

This was announced by Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi at a public rally, mainly attended by ASHA workers, in his constituency, Chamkaur Sahib, yesterday.

The Chief Minister stated that the decision will entail an outlay of Rs 124.25 crore on the state exchequer. Channi said that currently the ASHA workers are being paid up to Rs 2,500, but that is based on incentives. His decision will help 22,000 ASHA workers in the state. The 42,500 mid-day meal workers in the state will now get Rs 3,000 per month, following the increase in their allowance. This will entail an additional financial burden of Rs 64.25 crore on the state.

He also announced a cashless health insurance scheme up to Rs 5 lakh for each ASHA worker, with the state government paying the premium. The health insurance will cover probable risk of infliction of infectious diseases while performing their duties.