NHM rolls out new software for accurate ASHA worker wage calculation

Thiruvananthapuram: The National Health Mission (NHM) has introduced a new software system to ensure that ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers’ duties are recorded accurately and that their wages and benefits are calculated without errors. The software, developed by C-DIT, will replace the Easy Man system that has been in use since 2012. From next month onwards, wages will be distributed based on this new platform.

The software is designed in a way that allows for the correction of errors that occur during wage calculation. This is in response to a long-standing demand from ASHA workers' organisations. A specific timeline has also been established for completing the various stages, from entering job details into the software to verification. Therefore, delays in wage disbursement will be avoided.

The responsibility of uploading monthly reports from ASHA workers into the software has been divided among Junior Public Health Nurses (JPHNs), Junior Health Inspectors (JHIs), and Mid-Level Service Providers (MLSPs). Previously, this task was handled only by JPHNs. Now, each officer will calculate the work details of the ASHAs under their supervision, reducing the possibility of mistakes.

The data uploaded from primary health centres will now be cross-checked by public health nurses and health inspectors. Any errors identified will be corrected before the reports are finally approved by the head of the institution. Earlier, the details entered by JPHNs were accepted without scrutiny, leaving no scope to fix errors later, which often led to problems in deciding work schedules and wages.

Every month, ASHA workers must submit their monthly field report at the Community Health Centre before the 25th. This data will be entered into the software within five working days starting from the 26th. The information will be checked for accuracy over the next three working days. The report will be approved within two days.

ASHA workers' organisations have welcomed the new system with optimism, seeing it as a step toward greater transparency and fairness. However, concerns remain that shifting to the new platform without providing adequate training to all staff could cause practical difficulties, especially during the busy Onam season.