AMARAVATI: The NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has announced gratuity for ASHA workers. The retirement age has been increased from 60 to 62. 180 days of maternity leave has also been approved. Each ASHA worker will get Rs 1.5 lakh on retirement after serving for 30 years.

The Andhra government announced in a press release that it is the first state in the country to provide gratuity to ASHA workers. The honorarium of ASHA workers in Andhra Pradesh is Rs 10,000. This comes as the Left government turns its back on the strike of ASHA workers in Kerala.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had earlier instructed officials to study the salaries of ASHA workers, facilities available to them and related issues in other states and suggest ways to provide gratuity. The promise in the NDA's election manifesto has now been implemented. These measures will benefit 42,752 ASHA workers. Wages were not paid during maternity leave earlier.