Government Schemes

₹10,000 for Smartphones! WB Govt Fulfills Promise to ASHA & Anganwadi Workers, CM Sends Personal Letter

ASHA Anganwadi Workers: In a significant move to empower frontline healthcare workers, the West Bengal government has transferred ₹10,000 into the bank accounts of Anganwadi and ASHA workers across the state. This financial assistance is designated for the purchase of smartphones, fulfilling a promise made earlier by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The initiative aims to enhance their operational efficiency and improve service delivery in child and maternal welfare.

Alongside the fund transfer, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sent a personal letter to the workers on Thursday, extending her greetings and support. The state government has clarified that this assistance is provided for “smoother work” and “better services.”

A Promise Delivered

The financial allocation for this scheme was announced in the state budget in February by the Minister of State for Finance, Chandrima Bhattacharya. A total of ₹200 crore was earmarked to benefit approximately 70,000 ASHA workers and over one lakh Anganwadi workers. The disbursement of these funds directly into their bank accounts marks the successful implementation of this key budgetary promise.

The new smartphones are expected to bring significant advantages to their daily work. Key benefits include:

  • Seamless Government App Integration: Workers can now easily download and use essential government applications without any technical hindrances.
  • Improved Data Management: Digital data collection and reporting will become more efficient and accurate.
  • No Reliance on Personal Devices: This move eliminates the need for workers to use their personal phones for official duties, addressing a long-standing concern.

A Message of Encouragement from the Chief Minister

In her signed letter of goodwill, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her hope that this initiative would bring renewed vigour to their crucial work. “We hope that this effort of ours will add new enthusiasm to your daily work and bring further progress in child and maternal welfare,” the letter stated.

Reaffirming her commitment to their well-being, the Chief Minister added a reassuring message: “I am always by your side.” The state government believes this effort will significantly boost the morale and effectiveness of these grassroots workers, who are the backbone of the state’s public health and nutrition programs. This step is seen as a major boost for strengthening the state’s primary healthcare infrastructure.