West Bengal government hikes monthly honorarium of ASHA workers to Rs 11,250 from Aug 1
Kolkata, July 9
The West Bengal government has hiked the monthly pay of Accredited Social Health Activists from Rs 6,250 to Rs 11,250 per month with effect from August 1.
According to a memorandum issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department on Thursday, the issue of enhancement of the monthly fixed honorarium for ASHAs had been under the active consideration of the State Government for some time.
"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 Finance Department, West Bengal government, referring to an order dated July 8, and that the necessary funds would be released in due course.
According to the revised rates, the monthly pay of ASHAs has been fixed at Rs 11,250. The revised monthly pay for Anganwadi Workers has been fixed at Rs 14,000, while Anganwadi Helpers will receive Rs 11,800.
In January, the ASHA workers from West Bengal staged a protest in front of the Swasthya Bhawan in Salt Lake to press for their demands, including a hike in the allowances. The police were deployed to stop them by barricading the road.
The hike comes after ASHA workers in West Bengal had been demanding an increase in their allowances for a long time and staging protests to press for their demands.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, this should have been done much earlier. ASHAs are the first point of contact for health in many villages, yet they were earning barely 6k. Hope other states also follow West Bengal's example and increase their honorariums. The government always talks about women empowerment, but real empowerment starts with fair compensation.
Good move but let's not forget ASHA workers in central government schemes are still getting peanuts. If Mamata Banerjee can do this for her state, why can't the Centre do it for all? These women work day and night, often without proper safety gear even during epidemics. They deserve at least 15-20k per month minimum.
On paper it looks good, but I hope this is implemented properly. Many times such announcements are made but the money takes months to reach the ground level. ASHA workers in our district still haven't received their pending payments from last year. The system needs better transparency and timely disbursement.
Hats off to the ASHA workers who protested peacefully for this. They are true unsung heroes - handling everything from newborn vaccinations to elderly care in remote areas. But 11,250 is still not enough for a full-time job that involves health risks and irregular hours. The state should aim for parity with ANM salaries.
This is welcome news but I hope it includes all ASHA workers, including those in tribal areas who work under even more difficult conditions. Also, the government must ensure that these workers get regular health check-ups and insurance coverage. Just monetary hike isn't enough if their own health is neglected.
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