Sri Vijaya Puram July 22: The Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, has welcomed the decision of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, to enhance the monthly incentive payable to ASHA workers under the National Health Mission (NHM).
The enhancement follows the issue raised by the MP before the State Health Mission Governing Body and the subsequent recommendation of the Governing Body to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Acting on the recommendation, the Ministry has approved the enhancement of the monthly NHM incentive from Rs.2,000 to Rs.5,000, with effect from 1st April, 2026.
This information was conveyed by Mr. J.P. Nadda, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, through his D.O. letter dated 15th July, 2026, in response to the MP’s representation letter 13th March, 2026.
With this revision, all 432 ASHA workers serving in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands will receive Rs.5,000 per month as NHM incentive from the Government of India, in addition to the Rs.500 per month presently being provided by the UT Administration from UT share.
The MP has further informed that the UT Administration is also actively considering enhancement of its contribution from the existing Rs.500 to Rs.3,500 per month, and the proposal is presently under examination.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Mr. J.P. Nadda, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and the UT Administration of Andaman & Nicobar Islands for their positive consideration of the long-pending demand of the ASHA workers. He stated that the enhancement of the monthly incentive will significantly boost the morale of ASHA workers and serve as a recognition of their invaluable contribution towards strengthening healthcare delivery across the Islands.
