A day after state Health Minister Tanaji Sawant announced that the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Maharashtra will receive an honorarium hike of R7,000 from the state government, ASHAs said that they will wait for an official confirmation. ASHAs have been receiving a combined honorarium of R5,000 from the state and central governments for years. If the state government delivers on the promise, its share would increase from Rs 1,500 to Rs 8,500.

The ASHAs have pointed out that the hike remains disproportionately low considering the scope of their responsibilities. They have been demanding a hike of Rs 10,000 from the state government. They are also advocating for benefits like pensions.