Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced financial assistance and one-time honorarium for the ASHA workers. The incentives would benefit over 47,000 ASHA workers working in both rural and urban areas.
Patnaik, during his Ama Mukhya Mantri Ama Katha programme, announced an assistance of Rs 10,000 for the health workers to buy umbrella, shoe, cycle, almirah and torchlight.
He also announced a hike in the one-time honorarium to `20,000 from `10,000 under the ASHA Abyahati Yojana for them which they will receive under Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) after completing at least 10 years of service or on retirement at the age of 62.
“The ASHA workers play a vital role in healthcare service. Especially in the rural areas, their service in helping the women and children as well as making people aware of health and hygiene is commendable. Due to them, Odisha has made a mark in the country in checking infant and maternal mortality rates significantly,” said the Chief Minister.