An Empirical Study of Socio-Economic Development among Asha Workers: Implications for Women-Led Sustainable Development in North Maharashtra

The Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) constitute the foundation of India's community health service delivery network under the National Health Mission (NHM). In North Maharashtra — encompassing districts such as Nashik, Dhule, Nandurbar, and Jalgaon — ASHA workers act as essential intermediaries connecting rural and marginalized communities to the formal healthcare system. While these workers have played an integral role in advancing Sustainable Development Goals including Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Gender Equality (SDG 5), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), they remain socioeconomically vulnerable due to low and uncertain earnings, inadequate social security, and poor career prospects. This empirical study examines the socioeconomic status of ASHA workers in North Maharashtra using both primary and secondary data sources across parameters including remuneration, educational qualification, household poverty, health coverage, occupational challenges, and community recognition. The study argues for policy reforms aimed at transforming ASHA workers into formally recognized employees, consistent with the objectives of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and the UN SDGs @ 2030.