On July 30, 2025, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced a significant financial boost for the state’s grassroots healthcare workers. Recognising their pivotal role in rural health delivery, the government has substantially increased the monthly and performance-based incentives for ASHA and Mamta workers.
1. Revised Incentive Structure
This policy update aims to recognise the “last-mile” service provided by these frontline workers under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).
| Category | Previous Incentive | Revised Incentive | Increase Type |
| ASHA Workers | ₹1,000 / month | ₹3,000 / month | 3x (Triple) |
| Mamta Workers | ₹300 / delivery | ₹600 / delivery | 2x (Double) |
- ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist): Community health workers who act as a bridge between the rural population and the public health system.
- Mamta Workers: Contractual health activists stationed in maternity wards of government hospitals to assist with postnatal care and newborn safety.
2. Reach & Impact
- Beneficiaries: Over 90,000 ASHA workers and approximately 7,500 Mamta workers across Bihar.
- Operational Goal: To reduce maternal and infant mortality rates (MMR/IMR) by incentivising institutional deliveries and regular immunisations.
- Morale Boost: The hike addresses long-standing protests and demands from health worker unions for better pay and recognition.
3. Broader Context: The “Welfare Blitz”
This announcement is part of a series of strategic welfare measures launched in July 2025:
- Sanitation: Formation of the State Sanitation Workers Commission.
- Energy: 125 units of free electricity for domestic users.
- Employment: Restricting the 35% women’s job quota to native Bihar residents.
- Education: Subsequent doubling of honorariums for school cooks, night watchmen, and physical instructors (announced August 1, 2025).
4. Government Perspective
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stated:
“Since 2005, we have worked extensively to improve health services. ASHA and Mamta workers have been essential in strengthening rural Bihar’s healthcare.12 This decision honors their contribution and will further boost their morale.”