By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in
AGARTALA | May 15, 2026
AGARTALA: Recognizing the tireless service of grassroots health activists, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha inaugurated the State-Level ASHA Convention 2026 today at the International Indoor Exhibition Centre, Hapania. Addressing a massive gathering of nearly 450 ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers from all eight districts, the Chief Minister made several key announcements aimed at improving their welfare and digitizing their workflow.
This convention, organized by the National Health Mission (NHM) Tripura, marks the first such state-level gathering for ASHA workers in nearly nine years.
Key Announcements: Honorarium Hike & Digital Tools
In a move that drew loud applause from the attendees, the Chief Minister hinted at a significant financial upgrade for the state’s health volunteers.
- Honorarium Hike: The Chief Minister officially announced that the state government is actively considering an increase in the monthly honorarium for the 7,866 ASHA workers currently serving in Tripura.
- Digital Empowerment: As part of the “Digital Tripura” initiative, the CM distributed new smartphones to ASHA workers to help them maintain real-time health records and streamline maternal and child health tracking.
- Mobile Medical Units (MMUs): During the event, Dr. Saha flagged off 24 advanced Mobile Medical Units designed to provide healthcare services in the remote hilly regions of the state, where ASHA workers play a pivotal role as the first point of contact.
“ASHA Means Hope”: Chief Minister’s Tribute
Drawing on his own background as a doctor, CM Manik Saha emphasized that the ASHA workers are the “human face” of the government’s health policies.
”The name ASHA stands for ‘hope,’ and that is exactly what you provide to every household in our villages. From ensuring 100% institutional delivery to the success of our vaccination programs, you are the backbone of our healthcare system. Our government believes in women’s empowerment not just through words, but through dignity and financial security,” Dr. Manik Saha remarked.
A Paradigm Shift in Employment
The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to highlight the state’s transparent recruitment process, referencing the 865 Postgraduate Teachers who received their appointment letters just yesterday. He noted that under the current administration, deserving candidates are receiving jobs through the Teachers’ Recruitment Board Tripura (TRBT) without the need for street protests or political lobbying.
Focus on Women’s Empowerment
The convention was also framed as a celebration of women’s leadership in the public sector. The CM reminded the audience of the 33% reservation for women and the Prime Minister’s vision for Nari Shakti, which is being implemented across Tripura’s administrative and health sectors.
Dignitaries Present:
- Shri Kiran Gitte (IAS): Secretary, Health & Family Welfare.
- Dr. Debasish Debbarma: Director of Health Services.
- Dr. Nupur Debbarma: Joint Mission Director, NHM Tripura.
- Senior Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) from across the districts.
Future Outlook
The Health Department has been instructed to prepare a detailed report on the “overall welfare package” for ASHA workers, which will include improved training modules and enhanced insurance coverage. The convention concluded with the honoring of several ASHA Facilitators who demonstrated exceptional dedication during recent immunization drives in the interior areas of Dhalai and Khowai districts.
