NEW DELHI: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday announced an increment in the honorarium of Asha and Mamata workers for playing “a key enhancing healthcare services in rural areas” of the state.In a social media post on X, Nitish said that the incentive for Asha workers will be increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000. Meanwhile, Mamta workers will be provided an incentive of 600 rupees per child birth delivery instead of 300 rupees.“Since forming the government in November 2005, we have undertaken extensive efforts to improve healthcare services. Asha and Mamta workers have played a significant role in enhancing healthcare services in rural areas. Keeping this in mind and honouring the vital contributions of ASHA and Mamta workers in strengthening healthcare services in rural areas, a decision has been made to increase their honorarium,” Nitish said.“Asha workers will now receive an incentive of 3,000 rupees instead of 1,000 rupees. Additionally, Mamta workers will be provided an incentive of 600 rupees per delivery instead of 300 rupees, which will further boost their morale and strengthen healthcare services in rural areas,” he added.Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for the end of the year, CM Nitish has announced a series of social welfare initiatives aimed at expanding the safety net.In a recent move, the Bihar government announced a hike in the pension of accredited journalists under the Bihar Patrakaar Samman Pension Scheme. The state cabinet also approved a new domicile policy that limits the existing 35% reservation for women in government jobs to only those who are permanent residents of Bihar.In addition, the government has introduced a provision of 125 units of free electricity for domestic consumers.Bihar government on Sunday also approved the formation of the State Sanitation Workers Commission to safeguard the rights of sanitation workers and ensure their welfare, rehabilitation, empowerment, and access to government schemes.