Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA): Role, Selection and Incentives

Last updated: 2026-11-13 · MockMentor

The Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) is a trained woman from the village who is the first point of contact between the community and the health system, especially for women and children. ASHAs started in 2006 in 18 high-focus States and tribal areas under the National Health Mission and were extended to the whole country in 2009.

In one line: a local woman, one for about every 1,000 people, who links families to maternal care, immunisation and other health services.

At a glance

Item	Details
Started	2006; nationwide 2009
Programme	National Health Mission
Norm	One ASHA per 1,000 people (relaxed in tribal, hilly and desert areas)
Eligibility	Woman resident of the village, preferably 25 to 45, at least Class 8
Fixed incentive	₹3,500 a month (from ₹2,000, March 2025)
Long-service award	₹50,000 after 10 years

Main duties

Counselling on pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding, immunisation and family planning; escorting women and children to facilities; supporting JSY; TB treatment support; and reporting births and deaths.

ASHA benefit package (2018)

Cover under PMJJBY and PMSBY, a pension under PM Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan, and ₹5 lakh health cover under PM-JAY for ASHAs and their families.

Possible exam questions

Assess the role of community health workers in India's health outcomes.
Should ASHAs be regularised as government employees? Give arguments on both sides.

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