Amaravati, March 1: In a significant move aimed at enhancing the welfare of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has approved the payment of gratuity, introduced paid maternity leave, and raised the retirement age.
Recognizing the critical role played by ASHA workers as a bridge between communities and the healthcare system, Naidu directed officials to ensure timely gratuity payments. According to an official release issued on Saturday, each ASHA worker who completes 30 years of dedicated service will now receive a substantial retirement benefit of Rs 1.50 lakh. Approximately 42,752 ASHA workers across the state will benefit from this decision.
Additionally, the Chief Minister approved extending paid maternity leave to 180 days for eligible health workers during their first two childbirths. This decision underscores the government's commitment to the health and well-being of frontline health workers, promoting better work-life balance and maternal health.
Further strengthening employment conditions, Naidu also approved an increase in the superannuation age for ASHA workers from 60 to 62 years, enabling experienced health workers to continue serving communities longer.
These decisions reflect Andhra Pradesh's ongoing commitment to empowering healthcare workers and enhancing the state's healthcare system.
