ASHA workers in Punjab state government failed to double basic pay and failed to deliver on a poll promise

ASHA workers in Punjab are struggling to make ends meet. The Aam Aadmi Party promised to increase their basic pay from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000 in its poll manifesto. The government failed to fulfill this pre-poll promise. Several incentives have been suspended. Workers previously received Rs 50 per pregnant woman for post-delivery care, along with incentives for staying overnight and accompanying them for clinic visits. These payments have been discontinued for the delivery of healthcare services for the past two years. Workers now facilitate the creation of health cards at weekly camps under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana. They have been told they will receive Rs 10 per person as an incentive, but payment is uncertain. ASHA workers receive no fixed social security benefits.