J&K: Now ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to kin of ASHAs

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Monday handed over cheques of ex-gratia relief of Rs five lakh each to the kin of three deceased Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHAs) who were working under National Health Mission here at the Raj Bhavan.

Pursuant to the approval of social security benefit to ASHAs working under National Health Mission, from Ministry- of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India, the ex gratia was provided to the legal heirs of the deceased ASHAs- Rajkumari, Block Kot Bhalwal, Jammu; Ashiya Bano, Block Khag, Budgam and Nazneena, Block Verinag, Anantnag, who had unfortunately expired in the month of November, 2018.

The Governor lauded the role being played by the ASHA workers in delivering health care at the grass root level and contributing in the decrease of vital indicators like Infant Mortality Ratio, Total Fertility Rate etc and in providing Home Based New Born Care (HBNC) in the villages.

Pertinent to mention that keeping in view their vital role in community health, the State Government has decided to provide the Social Security Benefits to ASHAs and Rs 5 lakhs are being given to the legal dependant in case of death of an ASHA, Rs 2.5 lakhs in case of disability and financial assistance up to Rs 2 lakh for medical conditions requiring intervention.