THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The proposal of the Health department to Asha workers in the state who are office bearers holding the post of chairperson and standing committee chairperson in various local bodies, to take leave has become controversial. It is suggested that the local body position should be resigned if they does not apply for leave. The decision was taken on the grounds that the services of office bearers were not available in the wards.

The Director of the National Health Mission granted leave in November on the orders of the Principal Secretary, Health dept. With this, the medical officers refused to allow the honorarium from December. Honorarium is received up to four months late.

Prior to the last local body elections, the government had issued an order under the Panchayat Raj Act that asha workers and anganwadi teachers would not be barred from contesting elections. Since the presidency of a local body is a full-time job, most Asha workers steps down from their position. But the new proposal comes as the chairmanship of the standing committee is not a full-time job and it will not preclude him from continuing as an asha worker.

In the 2020 local body elections, 774 Asha workers won. 31 people took over the presidency. 123 people works in various standing committees.

Monthly Honorarium

Rs 8000 Asha workers (Honorarium 6000+ Incentive 2000) Rs 14200

Panchayat President - Rs 9200 , Chairman of the Standing Committee -15600, Chairman of the Municipality - Rs 9800, Chairman of the Standing Committee Rs 16800, Corporation Mayor Rs 10400