ASHA workers protest outside Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh’s residence in Patiala

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Patiala, June 20

A large number of ASHA workers staged a protest outside the residence of Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh in Patiala on Saturday, demanding a fixed salary structure and inclusion under the health department.

The protesters, who arrived from different parts of Punjab, allegedly broke down police barricades along the route and reached the minister’s residence, where they raised slogans and staged a demonstration outside the main gate.

ASHA Workers Union Punjab president Kirandeep Kaur Panjola said the workers had been working for several years for a monthly payment of Rs 2,500 and had repeatedly raised their demands with the government.

“We have held several meetings with the government and want to be brought under the department with a basic salary structure. Every time, we are sent back with false assurances,” she said.

Panjola added that the union had already announced the protest, but the Health Minister, Dr Balbir Singh, was not present at the location. She said the workers were forced to gherao his residence and demanded a meeting to find a permanent solution to their issues.

During the protest, a scuffle was also reported between ASHA workers and police personnel deployed at the site.