SHILLONG: Health Minister AL Hek on Thursday fended off charges of government apathy towards ASHA workers in the state who had recently threatened to cease work for delay in receiving their wages. Reeling off details of release of funds for the purpose, he informed the state Assembly that Rs10.14 crore has been released to the districts, including dues, under the National Health Mission.
Replying to a call attention motion moved by Congress MLA Mayralborn Syiem, Hek said that there are 6,778 ASHA workers in the state, adding that their payment is never the same as the amount is linked to eight mandatory activities to be performed by them every month. According to Hek, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, full amount of Rs 2,000 per month per ASHA will be paid irrespective of their performance for the period from January to June this year as per the Centre’s directives.
Besides, an additional amount of Rs 1,000 per month per ASHA has also been approved by the Centre to be paid as incentives to them for carrying out COVID-19 activities for the period of their engagement between January and June this year. Hek also said that during March 2018-19, Rs 25,36,91.500 was sanctioned by the government under the maternity benefit scheme and ASHA benefit scheme to clear the dues of ASHA, adding total amount paid by the district till March 31 is Rs 22,70,31.552.
Hek also said that during the ongoing pandemic, each ASHA worker of East Khasi Hills district has been provided with masks, gloves and hand sanitiser. Earlier while moving the motion, Nongpoh MLA pleaded for PPE and higher wages for ASHA workers.
