INCREASE IN HONORARIUM OF ASHA AND MAMTA WORKERS IS A POLITICAL GIMMICK

INCREASE IN HONORARIUM OF ASHA AND MAMTA WORKERS IS A POLITICAL GIMMICK

30-JULY-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-----------------------Amidst the excitement of the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has made a big political move. The state government has announced a bumper increase in the honorarium of Asha and Mamta workers, who are considered the backbone of rural health services. This decision is not only being considered an important step towards improving health services, but in political circles it is being seen as Nitish Kumar's new "election chessboard" to woo the women's vote bank.

According to the press release issued by the government, Asha workers will now be provided an incentive of ₹ 3,000 instead of ₹ 1,000, which is a direct three-fold increase. At the same time, the incentive amount of ₹ 300 received by Mamta workers per delivery has been increased to ₹ 600, that is, their honorarium has been doubled. The government claims that this decision is the result of its extensive efforts to improve health services since the formation of its government in November 2005, in which these workers have made an unprecedented contribution.

Political analysts believe that this announcement is not just an administrative decision, but is part of a well-thought-out strategy just before the elections. The number of women voters and their voting percentage in Bihar have consistently been significant. Asha and Mamta workers are directly connected to lakhs of families at the rural level and play an important role from health awareness to vaccination. In such a situation, such a big increase in their honorarium will boost their morale and through them a positive message towards the government will go to the entire rural area.

Experts believe that this step is an attempt to strengthen Nitish Kumar's image of 'good governance with development' as well as to deepen his penetration among women voters. Although the opposition may call this move an "election stunt" or "an attempt to garner votes", the government will present it as its commitment to strengthen the rural health infrastructure.

Now it remains to be seen how much effect this 'gift' of Nitish Kumar brings in the upcoming elections. Will this honour given to Asha and Mamta workers be able to mobilise the votes of rural women in favour of Nitish Kumar? Only time will tell, but it is certain that this announcement has started a new debate in the electoral politics of Bihar.