Chief Minister Naidu approves gratuity and maternity leave for ASHA workers

Amaravati. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has approved the proposal to increase the retirement age and gratuity and paid maternity leave for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA). The Chief Minister directed the officials to ensure payment of gratuity to ASHA workers. They work as an important link between the people and the health care system. An official press release issued said, “This will give a retirement benefit of Rs 1.50 lakh to every ASHA (worker) who has served for 30 years.” It said that 42,752 workers will benefit from the decision of the Chief Minister. He has approved the extension of paid maternity leave of 180 days during the first two pregnancies of eligible health workers. The press release said that apart from this, Naidu has increased the retirement age of ASHA workers from 60 to 62.