Telangana Finance and Health Minister Harish Rao on Monday, 5 June, announced that Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in the state would now be entitled to maternity leave with pay, aligning them with other women employees.
This decision was taken during a monthly review meeting, where Rao acknowledged the crucial role ASHAs and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) played in delivering quality medical services to people at the grassroot level.
The minister said that the government was grateful for the services rendered by ASHAs, and emphasised Telangana’s commitment to providing the highest salaries to these dedicated healthcare workers in the country.
“Previously, ASHAs protested and demonstrated to secure wage hikes and timely remuneration.
However, since the formation of Telangana, significant improvements have been made, with wages being increased threefold.Currently, ASHAs receive a monthly salary of ₹9,750, while their counterparts in states governed by BJP and Congress receive only ₹4,000-5,000,” said Rao.
He also said he has asked Health Secretary SAM Rizvi and Family Welfare Commissioner Shweta Mahanthi to conduct a comprehensive study on implementing maternity leaves with pay for ASHAs and ANMs.
The findings of the study are expected to be presented in a detailed report, demonstrating the government’s commitment to recognising and safeguarding the well being of these frontline healthcare workers.
