Over 13,900 ASHA workers engaged across J&K: Sakeena

Jammu, Feb 20: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday said that a total of 13,923 women are currently engaged as Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) across the Union Territory, playing a vital role in grassroots healthcare delivery.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Devyani Rana in the Legislative Assembly, Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Minister Sakeena Itoo, presented district-wise data of ASHA workers in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the details shared, Baramulla (1300), Kupwara (1205), Jammu (1064), Rajouri (1008), and Anantnag (886) have the highest number of ASHA workers. Other districts include Budgam (852), Kathua (801), Poonch (795), Kulgam (712), Udhampur (661), Doda (648), Pulwama (630), Reasi (535), Ramban (506), Bandipora (489), Kishtwar (442), Ganderbal (364), Shopian (354), Srinagar (356), and Samba (315).
The minister emphasised that ASHA workers form the backbone of primary healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Providing details on financial support, the minister said that under the National Health Mission, ASHA workers in J&K receive an assured monthly incentive of Rs 2,000 for routine activities.
“This support was further enhanced by Rs 1,000 per month during the financial year 2024–25 in recognition of their expanded responsibilities under Comprehensive Primary Health Care,” she said.
In addition to the fixed amount, ASHAs are entitled to performance-based incentives, which are linked to various national health programmes and depend on the volume and quality of work carried out.
The minister further informed that the funding pattern between the Centre and the Union Territory stands at a 90:10 ratio.
The government stated that all ASHA workers in J&K are covered under two major insurance schemes, with premiums borne by the NHM: pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana – Provides Rs 2 lakh in case of natural death, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana – Covers Rs 2 lakh for accidental death and Rs 1 lakh for disability and these schemes aim to provide a basic social security net to ASHA workers, who often operate in challenging conditions.
On the question of further enhancement of honorarium and additional welfare benefits such as pension or maternity provisions, the Minister clarified that any revision is subject to decisions taken by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
“At present, no such decision has been taken by the Government of India. However, whenever enhancements are approved at the central level, J&K will implement them accordingly,” she added.
The government reiterated that ASHA workers continue to be a crucial link between communities and the public health system, contributing significantly to maternal and child healthcare, immunisation drives, and awareness campaigns. (KNO)