On strike since August, ASHA workers stopped en route to CM’s house
The Hindu
ASHA workers, who receive incentive-based remuneration, have been protesting for fixed minimum wage, social security, and basic benefits. Despite the government's promise of ₹3,000 per month, workers allege they only get ₹500 if they don't complete 12 tasks. The workers are demanding official posts, fixed salary, retirement age, pension, health benefits, and a committee with ASHA representatives. They plan to protest outside Delhi Health Minister's residence on Sept 19.
Hundreds of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers, who have been on an indefinite strike since August 28 over adverse working conditions, were on Friday stopped by the police on their way to hold a protest near Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence.
The women — who receive incentive-based remuneration for their volunteer work — have been demanding a fixed minimum wage, as well as social security and basic benefits. The ASHA workers said they are being overworked and getting no respect or returns in their job.
The protesters announced they will stage a demonstration outside Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj’s residence on September 19. Asked about the ASHA workers’ demands and allegations, no response was issued by the Delhi government.
Following the workers’ protests at Jantar Mantar in August 2020, the government had promised them ₹3,000 per month as fixed income.
However, Geeta, 48, an ASHA worker since 2016, said they get the fixed income only after completing 12 tasks related to their volunteer duties each month. “If we don’t complete these tasks, we get only ₹500.”
“We may be able to make ₹7,000-8000 through incentives. But that is not enough sustain a household, considering the skyrocketing prices of groceries,” said Pushpa Devi, 45, an ASHA worker since 2008.
“We work for 24 hours for the benefit of people but there is nobody for us, no government listens to us, no one cares about our lives,” she added.
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