PCMC ASHA Workers Get Diwali Bonus
Abhishek Barne approves Rs. 7,000–Rs. 15,000 incentive allowance
PIMPRI : In a major Diwali relief for ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers employed by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), the civic body’s Standing Committee has approved an incentive allowance ranging from ₹7,000 to ₹15,000 for the financial year 2025–26. The decision, approved under the initiative of Standing Committee Chairman Abhishek Barne, is expected to provide financial support to ASHA workers in recognition of their contribution to the city’s public healthcare system.
The decision is particularly significant for ASHA volunteers who work at the grassroots level, ensuring that healthcare services reach residents in slum and slum-like areas across Pimpri-Chinchwad. These workers play an important role in implementing public health programmes, creating awareness about healthcare, and connecting vulnerable communities with essential medical services.
Under the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), group facilitators and ASHA volunteers have been appointed to serve residents in slum and slum-like settlements within the municipal corporation’s jurisdiction. Their remuneration is linked to the work performed, in accordance with
government guidelines.
As part of the approved decision, the incentive allowance will be calculated based on the period from September 2025 to August 2026. ASHA workers who have completed at least six months, equivalent to 180 days of work, during this period will be eligible for the benefit.
The minimum incentive amount has been fixed at ₹7,000, while eligible workers can receive a maximum of ₹15,000, depending on the applicable criteria.
The expenditure towards the incentive allowance will be met from the ‘Bonus and Ex-Gratia Grant’ budget head under the Family Welfare section of the Municipal Corporation’s Medical Department.
The approval is being viewed as a significant step towards recognising the efforts of ASHA workers, particularly ahead of Diwali, when the additional financial assistance is expected to help their families with festive expenses.
“ASHA workers are the backbone of Pimpri-Chinchwad’s healthcare system. They work tirelessly to ensure that healthcare services reach people at the grassroots level, and their contribution to society is invaluable. With the objective of recognising their continuous service and providing them with financial support during the festive season, we ensured that this important proposal received prompt approval. Through this decision, our ASHA sisters have received the recognition and justice they deserve. I am extremely happy that this initiative will help them celebrate Diwali with greater joy and happiness.”
— Abhishek Barne, Chairman, Standing Committee, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation
