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Dharamshala, July 9
The ASHA workers staged a protest in Dharamshala on Thursday over their long-pending demands and submitted a memorandum to the Central and State governments through the Deputy Commissioner. The demonstration was organized on the call of the All India ASHA Employees Federation as part of a nationwide protest.
The protesting ASHA workers demanded an increase in their honorarium, the implementation of a permanent service policy, and timely payment under various health schemes. They also sought the provision of rest rooms for ASHA workers in hospitals and opportunities for eligible workers to be promoted to the post of Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM). Shashi Lata, National Vice President of the All India ASHA Employees Federation and General Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh ASHA Workers Union, said millions of ASHA workers across the country play a vital role in delivering healthcare services at the grassroots level but continue to be deprived of fair remuneration and essential benefits.
She said the decision to organize protests in every district and submit memorandums to the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers and Health Ministers was taken during the federation’s National Executive Committee meeting held in Maharashtra. Alleging that the Central Government has not increased the honorarium of ASHA workers since 2017, Shashi Lata demanded a minimum monthly honorarium of Rs 26,000, a permanent service policy, timely payment under national health programmes, rest room facilities in hospitals and promotion to ANM posts based on merit and eligibility.
