India, July 30 -- Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has announced a hike in the incentive amount for Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) and Mamta workers in the state, a move which many believe is yet another sop in the run up to the assembly elections later this year.

The assembly elections are due in October-November this year though the election commission is yet to make any formal announcement.

"Since the formation of the government in November 2005, we have worked extensively to improve health services. ASHA and Mamta workers have played an important role in improving health services in rural areas. Keeping this in mind and honouring the important contribution of ASHA and Mamta workers in strengthening health services in rura...