New Delhi: PM Modi announced the doubling of routine incentives given by the Union Government to ASHA workers today. In addition, all ASHA workers and their helpers would be provided free insurance cover under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Prime Minister Suraksha Bima Yojana.

He also announced the increase in the honorarium given to Anganwadi workers. Those receiving Rs 3000 so far, would now receive Rs 4500. Similarly, those receiving Rs 2200 would now get Rs 3500.  The honorarium for Anganwadi helpers has also been increased from Rs 1500 to Rs 2250.

In his interactions with the ASHA workers via video conferencing PM Modi asserted that one cannot build a strong building on a weak foundation, similarly, if the children of the country are weak the progress of the country will also slow down.

 PM Narendra Modi during an interaction with ASHA, ANM & Anganwadi workers said that initially, an ASHA worker used to visit a baby 6 times in 42 days after his/her birth, now the government have increased that time to 15 months. ASHA worker will visit the baby for 11 times in these 15 months.

At the end of the discussion, he expressed the gratitude towards those doctors who are treating pregnant women without taking any fees.