ASHA Workers Demand Pay Hike, Submit Memorandum
ASHA and Asha Sangini workers in Balrampur protested, demanding an immediate increase in their honorarium and fair evaluation of their services.
बलरामपुर उत्तर प्रदेश | अनिरुद्ध प्रताप शुक्ल
ASHA Workers Protest Over Pending Demands
In Balrampur district of Uttar Pradesh, ASHA and Asha Sangini employees held a protest on Monday at the Utraula Community Health Centre, highlighting their pending demands. Led by block president Shivkumari, affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, dozens of ASHA workers submitted a detailed memorandum to the Health Centre Superintendent.
The memorandum urgently calls for a fair evaluation of their services and an immediate increase in their honorarium. ASHA workers are considered a vital link in health services, diligently performing essential responsibilities for years. These include managing vaccination drives, assisting during deliveries, and providing infant care.
Demand for Fair Remuneration and Parity
Despite their dedication, the workers are not receiving compensation commensurate with their services, nor have there been any concrete government steps towards regularizing their employment. Expressing dissatisfaction with government policies, the workers questioned the disparity in pay.
They argued that while the government has increased the honorarium for various employee categories such as Shikshamitras, Anganwadi workers, helpers, employment assistants, and Panchayat assistants, ASHA workers have been completely excluded from this benefit. This inequality in pay is severely impacting their daily lives and economic situation, hindering their work.
Memorandum Submitted for Action
The organization, through the submitted memorandum, urged the administration to immediately present the demand for a proper honorarium increase for ASHA workers to the government. They expressed hope for a swift hearing on their demands.
Several ASHA workers, including Suman Yadav, Preeti, Kafiia Parveen, Chandrakanta Pathak, Kusma Devi, Sushila, and Manju Devi, were present during the protest. Copies of the memorandum have also been forwarded to district and state-level officials for further action.