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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 11/06/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (11-06-2025).

📝 Mains Question:

Q. Discuss the role of ASHA workers in strengthening India’s rural health system. Critically examine the challenges they face and suggest reforms needed to ensure dignity, effectiveness, and sustainability in their service.

📘 Model Answer

Introduction

ASHAs or Accredited Social Health Activists were introduced in 2005 under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) to act as a bridge between the community and the public health system. With over 10 lakh ASHA workers nationwide, they form the backbone of India’s grassroots healthcare, particularly in rural and remote areas. In Assam, over 30,000 ASHAs operate in flood-prone, tea garden, and tribal regions, often in challenging environments.

Role of ASHAs in Rural Health

Domain	Contribution
Maternal & Child Health	Promoting institutional deliveries, immunizations, and antenatal care
Disease Surveillance	Identifying TB, malaria, and leprosy cases; contact tracing (esp. during COVID-19)
Health Education	Spreading awareness about hygiene, nutrition, contraception
Referral Services	Escorting patients to PHCs, guiding families on treatment protocols
Community Mobilization	Facilitating village health days, coordinating SHGs, and acting as first responders

Challenges Faced by ASHA Workers

Challenge	Description
Low Honorarium	Many ASHAs earn < ₹6,000/month, despite 24×7 availability and rising responsibilities
Insecure Employment	They are not formally employed or covered under labour laws
Delayed Payments	Incentives are often delayed due to procedural bottlenecks
Lack of Recognition	Despite major roles during COVID-19, their work remains undervalued
Limited Career Growth	No upward mobility into ANM, nursing, or supervisory roles
Digital Divide	Struggles with mobile-based health apps and reporting systems

Reform Measures & Assam Context

Recently, the Assam Cabinet (June 2025) increased the monthly honorarium for ASHA workers from ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 and supervisors from ₹9,000 to ₹10,200, showing a move toward recognition and welfare.

Suggested National-Level Reforms:

Minimum Wage Guarantee – Link honorarium to State minimum wages
Social Security Net – Provide access to pension (PM Shram Yogi Maan Dhan), life and health insurance
Skill Upgradation – Offer ASHAs certified training for promotion to ANM or health educators
Digital Empowerment – Provide mobile devices, data plans, and ICT training
Grievance Redressal Mechanism – Helplines and legal aid for workplace harassment or non-payment

Conclusion

ASHA workers are unsung heroes of India’s health mission, especially in underserved and disaster-prone areas like Assam. To ensure that they continue to serve with dedication and dignity, India must move from symbolic appreciation to systemic integration. Recognizing them as an essential workforce with proper remuneration, security, and respect is crucial for building a resilient, inclusive, and equitable rural health system.

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