Odisha CM announces financial assistance, honorarium for ASHA workers

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of upcoming 2019 general elections, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced financial assistance of Rs 10,000 and increased one-time honorarium to Rs 20,000 for the ASHA workers in the State.

More than 47,000 ASHA workers engaged both in rural and urban Odisha will be benefited after the announcement comes into effect.

As per the announcement, the ASHA workers will get Rs 10,000 as financial assistance towards purchasing umbrella, shoes, bicycle, almirah and torch light required for their daily use.

Besides, the government hiked the one-time honorarium to Rs 20,000 from Rs 10,000 under ASHA Abyahati Yojana. The ASHA workers will receive the honorarium amount under Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) after completing at least 10 years of service or get retired at the age of 62.

The announcement was made in view of success rate in Odisha in decline in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in the past decade.

“I am delighted that Odisha registered sharp decline in IMR and MMR and improvement in other health related issues,” said Chief Minister Patnaik in a release while lauding the ASHA workers for their dedication and selfless service.

Notably, the State government has taken several public oriented initiatives in health sector. The Health & Family Welfare department has been assigned for the successful implementation of the programmes across the State.